North Carolina Rides Second-Half Surge, Harris and Grant Shine in Win Over Clemson
North Carolina didn’t just show up on Thursday night - they showed out. Decked in their sharp navy blue alternates, the Tar Heels once again leaned on a familiar formula: a gritty second-half surge and a pair of go-to scorers stepping up when it mattered most.
Against Clemson, it wasn’t always pretty. The Tar Heels came out of the gates firing, hitting three of their first four shots to set an early tone.
But the offensive rhythm didn’t last. The shots stopped falling, and UNC found itself in a grind-it-out battle, trailing by two in a low-scoring first half.
Then came the third quarter - and if you’ve been following this team lately, you know that’s when things tend to shift.
Just like they did in their win over NC State, the Tar Heels used the third frame to flip the script. They outscored the Tigers 19-12 in that pivotal stretch, seizing control of the game heading into the fourth.
From there, it was all about composure. North Carolina didn’t just protect the lead - they tightened the screws defensively and made sure Clemson never got a sniff of a comeback.
Harris and Grant Carry the Load - Again
When you talk about the heartbeat of this team, start with Nyla Harris and Lanie Grant. The duo combined for 33 of UNC’s 53 points, and once again, they were the difference-makers.
Harris posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards - the kind of performance that anchors a team on both ends of the floor. She was physical in the paint, active on the glass, and efficient with her touches.
Grant, meanwhile, added 16 points and knocked down two key three-pointers, providing the spacing and shot-making UNC needed to stretch Clemson’s defense. With no other Tar Heel scoring in double figures, the spotlight on Harris and Grant was even brighter - and they delivered.
Another Resume Booster
This win wasn’t just about momentum - it was about building a tournament résumé. Quad 1 wins are gold come March, and Courtney Banghart’s squad just added another to the collection.
After slipping out of the AP Top 25, the Tar Heels are starting to find their groove again. This group is showing signs of a team that’s figuring out its identity - tough, resilient, and capable of closing out tight games against quality opponents.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier, but that’s not a bad thing for a team looking to keep climbing. Next up: a Sunday showdown in Winston-Salem against Wake Forest. Another chance to prove they’re back on the rise - and another opportunity for Harris and Grant to lead the way.