In a rivalry game that lived up to the hype, North Carolina went into a hostile Reynolds Coliseum and walked out with a hard-fought win over NC State on Monday night. It wasn’t always pretty, and it certainly wasn’t easy, but the Tar Heels found a way to grind out a 63-61 victory over their in-state rivals - the kind of win that speaks volumes about a team’s resilience.
This one had all the ingredients of a classic ACC battle: energy, emotion, and a whole lot of back-and-forth basketball. Every time one team started to build momentum, the other answered right back. It was a tug-of-war from tip to buzzer, with neither side giving an inch without a fight.
But the third quarter proved to be the difference-maker. Coming out of the break, Carolina caught fire, putting together an 18-8 run that flipped the game on its head and gave the Tar Heels a lead heading into the fourth. That stretch was fueled by active defense, smart shot selection, and a little bit of swagger - the kind you need to take control in a game like this.
Still, NC State wasn’t about to go quietly. Down seven with two minutes to go, the Wolfpack clawed their way back, slicing the deficit to just two with 40 seconds left. The pressure was on, the crowd was loud, and the game hung in the balance.
Then came the sequence that sealed it. After a Carolina turnover gave NC State a glimmer of hope, the Tar Heels’ defense came up with a crucial stop.
Indya Nivar went to the line with a chance to ice it - missed both - but hustled for her own rebound, effectively ending the Wolfpack’s comeback bid. It wasn’t perfect execution, but it was pure effort, and that’s what won the game.
Nivar and Lanie Grant were the heartbeat of the Tar Heels’ offense all night. The duo combined for 34 points, with Grant leading all scorers with 18 to go along with three rebounds. Nivar filled the stat sheet once again, finishing with 16 points, seven boards, and six assists - another well-rounded performance that’s quickly becoming her trademark.
Nyla Harris chipped in 10 points, and Reniya Kelly added 9, helping to balance out the scoring and keep the offense steady. It was a full-team effort, and that’s exactly what it took to get head coach Courtney Banghart her first win in Raleigh - a milestone moment in a rivalry that never disappoints.
Now, there’s no time to dwell on the victory. The Tar Heels are back in action Thursday night when they host Clemson in Chapel Hill. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM EST, and with momentum on their side, Carolina will look to keep the good vibes rolling.