University of North Carolina Athletics
Thursday, December 4
Austin, Texas
7 PM
North Carolina
at
#2 Texas
No. 11 Women's Basketball Travels To No. 2 Texas For ACC/SEC Challenge
December 3, 2025 | Women's Basketball
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- No. 11 North Carolina Women's Basketball hits the road for the first time in the third year of the ACC/SEC Challenge, traveling to No. 2 Texas on Thursday. The Tar Heels face off against the Longhorns for the second time in program history and first since 1981. The top-15 matchup tips at 7 p.m. ET, airing nationally on ESPN2.
NO. 12/10 NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS (8-1, 0-0 ACC)
Head Coach: Courtney Banghart (Dartmouth, 2000)
Record at North Carolina: 133-65 (7th season)
Career Record: 387-168 (19th season)
NO. 2/2 TEXAS LONGHORNS (8-0, 0-0 SEC)
Head Coach: Vic Shaefer (Texas A&M, 1984)
Record at Texas: 152-36 (6th season)
Career Record: 453-208 (21st season)
TIPPING OFF
• Carolina is on the hunt to knock off a ranked team on the road for the fifth straight season, as the Tar Heels head South to Texas for the 2025 ACC/SEC Challenge. In the third season of the event, Carolina hits the road for the first time.
• Overall, Carolina is 1-1 in ACC/SEC Challenge games. Last season in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels defeated then No. 14 Kentucky by a 19-point margin at 72-53. It was the largest win against any AP Top-25 opponent since 2020, and its largest win over a top-15-ranked opponent since 2011.
• Making a splash at the 2025 Cancun Challenge, Carolina handily won three games in three days to claim its second consecutive multi-team event title. Indya Nivar took home tournament MVP honors after stuffing the stat sheet in Mexico.
SCOUTING THE LONGHORNS
Arguably the nation's hottest team, Texas enters the ACC/SEC Challenge with a record of 8-0 and ranked No. 2 nationally.
The Longhorns picked up two top-five wins last week at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, downing then No. 3 UCLA and No. 2 South Carolina.
Running one of the most high-powered offenses in the country, Texas currently ranks No. 6 overall with 92.1 points per game.
The Longhorns also boast one of the best floor generals in the game in Rori Harmon, who is currently averaging 6.3 assists per game.
The Longhorns also boast two-time First Team All-American and the 2025 SEC Player of the Year in Madison Booker. Currently, the junior is averaging 16.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
SERIES HISTORY VS. TEXAS
The Tar Heels and Longhorns meet for only the second time, and the first in Austin on Thursday.
The two historic programs' only previous meeting was in January of 1981, where Carolina defeated Texas. 75-73 in Chapel Hill.
LAST TIME OUT
Capping off its time in paradise on a high note, Carolina took care of business against Columbia, 80-63, to rattle off three wins in three days.
Matching her career-high with 19 points, Lanie Grant led Carolina in scoring with eight made field goals.
The Tar Heels also went to work in the paint, scoring 50 points overall with Ciera Toomey leading the way with 18.
Nyla Harris provided support on the inside, adding 10 points and five rebounds.
A season-high 36 minutes from Elina Aarnisalo translated to a season-high 15 points as she also matched her career-high with three steals.
ACC/SEC CHALLENGE - ROUND 3
In its first time heading on the road in the ACC/SEC Challenge, Carolina sits at 1-1 overall in the event.
Carolina defeated then No. 14 Kentucky last season in Chapel Hill, 72-53.
Against SEC squads under Banghart, Carolina is 3-5 overall.
The Tar Heels last defeated an SEC team on its home court back in 2008, knocking off Oklahoma on its home court in Norman.
VS. RANKED TEAMS
Under Banghart, the Tar Heels are 22-30 overall against AP Top-25 teams.
Carolina's lone ranked foe of the season was then No. 3 UCLA in Las Vegas.
VS. RANKED TEAMS ON THE ROAD
Overall, Carolina boasts 36 ranked wins on the road. Last season, Carolina picked up a victory on the road against a No. 19-ranked Cal squad.
The win over the Bears was the largest-ranked road win in the Courtney Banghart era and ties for the largest in program history since 2019 at No. 7 NC State.
UNC has knocked off a ranked team on the road in each of the last four seasons.
CAROLINA AGAINST THE TOP-FIVE
Against top-five teams, Carolina owns 22 overall wins.
Its last win over a top-five opponent overall came in 2023, when the Tar Heels defeated No. 4 Notre Dame, 60-50 in Chapel Hill.
The Tar Heels recorded their last road win on a top-five court, over No. 3 Duke on Feb. 10, 2014.
THRIVING IN PARADISE
Rattling off three wins in three days at the 2025 Cancun Challenge, North Carolina picked up its second straight multi-team event title and its fifth under Banghart.
Indya Nivar took home Cancun Challenge Tournament MVP honors, while Lanie Grant earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
NOTHING BUT NET
In the first edition of the 2025-26 NCAA Women's Basketball NET, North Carolina came in at No. 13 overall.
The Tar Heels have already earned two quad-two wins this season, defeating No. 41 Fairfield and No. 57 South Dakota State.
Thursday's game in Austin presents one of seven current quad-one opportunities on Carolina's schedule.
CAN'T STOP HER
Lately, opponents can't stop Indya Nivar from scoring or scoring on her. In Cancun, Nivar stuffed the stat sheet and averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.7 steals, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 56.3% from the floor.
Nivar is the first player in the Banghart era to snag four or more steals in three straight games.
Her seven assists against Kansas State were the most by any Tar Heel in a single-game this season and set a new career-high for the senior.
Her play in Cancun earned her ACC Player of the Week honors for the first time in her career. Reniya Kelly joins her as the only two active Tar Heels to earn the distinction.
THREES ON THREES ON THREES
When Carolina shoots from beyond the arc, there's a high chance its going in. Against Kansas State, the Tar Heels knocked down 14 made triples.
The mark tied the program record, which had been previously set 11 times. Knocking down 14 triples against the Wildcats marked the third time under Banghart in which Carolina reached the threshold.
Carolina's performance against Kansas State from deep also set a new standard. With four straight games with 10 or more triples, it's the first time in available program records where Carolina has achieved the feat.
SHARING IS CARING
There's no I in team, and the Tar Heels are certainly proving so.
Against Kansas State, Carolina matched its season high with 21 helpers.
In the last three of four games, Carolina has dished out 20 or more assists which tied the longest streak since the start of the 2011-12 season.
Indya Nivar dished out a career-high seven dimes, the most by any Tar Heel this season.
HISTORY - WRITTEN
In a historic performance, Indya Nivar's triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds and 10 steals marked the second triple-double in the rich history of Carolina women's basketball.
Nivar joins former teammate Alyssa Ustby as the only two Tar Heels to achieve the feat.
Her 10 steals also etched her name again in the Carolina record books, matching the program single-game record set by Pam Leake in 1995. Nivar is one of four players nationally this year to snag double-figure steals in a game.
Nivar is the second ACC player to record a triple-double this season, and the 50th in the history of the conference.
By recording a triple-double with steals, Nivar is the fourth to accomplish the feat in the history of the league.
RUNNING DEEP
Depth is a huge factor for the Tar Heels this season, as they currently average 33.1 points per game from its reserves. Carolina's bench scoring ranks No. 23 nationally and third overall in the ACC.
Coming off the bench, Nyla Brooks leads the reserves with 11.0 points per game.
FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS
The offense is rocking and rolling for Carolina, scoring 80+ points in the last six games.
It's the longest 80+ scoring streak since February of the 2014 season.
RAINING THREES
The three-ball is flying for the Tar Heels, as Carolina knocked down 10 or more against UNCG, South Dakota State, and against Columbia.
It's the first time in the Banghart era that Carolina has achieved the feat.
Nyla Brooks led the charge, shooting 15-of-27 from deep during the stretch.
SHE'S JUST A FRESHMAN
With the confidence Nyla Brooks brings to the court, she has already asserted herself as one of the nation's top freshmen.
Posting a performance of perfection against UNCG, Brooks scored a career-high 18 points while shooting 7-of-7 from the field and 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.
Brooks' outing vs. the Spartans propelled her to earn her first ACC Freshman of the Week honors on Nov. 24. She's the first freshman to pick up the honor for Carolina since the 2023 season. Overall, Carolina leads the ACC with 84 Freshmen of the Week selections.
Her scoring has remained consistent, as she's the first freshman Tar Heel to score in double figures in five of her first six games since Jocelyn Jones and Janelle Bailey both did so in 2017.
CT'S COMING
The development of Ciera Toomey has been undeniable, as the redshirt-sophomore's work in the offseason is now shining.
Posting a career-high 19 points against UNCG, Toomey also dished out a career-best four assists.
Toomey's presence in the paint is assisting Carolina to post an average of 41.1 points per game in the paint. The Tar Heels have posted 50+ point games in the paint twice this season.
RIGHT ON TARGET
The shots were falling against UNCG, as Carolina ended up shooting 39-of-59 from the field for a percentage of 66.1%.
This mark ranked No. 2 in a single-game field goal percentage at UNC and holds the record in the Banghart era.
WINNING IS A TRADITION
Throughout the history of North Carolina women's basketball, it has boasted 30 20-win seasons.
A win over South Dakota State gave Carolina its 1,100 program victory. The Tar Heels became the 17th Division I women's program to reach the mark and the third in the ACC.
DEFENSE ON LOCK
Holding yet another opponent under 50 points in keeping South Dakota State to 48 points, Carolina has now held 456points under 50 in the Banghart era.
So far this year, Carolina has held four of its nine opponents under 50 points. Last season, UNC held 11 opponents under the mark.
BROOKS LOVES THE DEEP BALL
Making a strong impact during her freshman campaign, Nyla Brooks is proving her prowess from beyond the arc.
She currently leads the Tar Heels with 21 made triples and leads the ACC among freshman with an average of 2.33 per game.
AN EMERGING LEADER
In her final season in Carolina Blue, Indya Nivar is making it count as she has posted double-digits in each outing this year.
The Apex, N.C., native is currently riding a career-long streak of eight consecutive games in double-figure scoring.
She currently leads Carolina with an average of 12.1 points per game.
Not only is Nivar showing her leadership on the offensive end, but she is also shining on defense. Her 4.4 steals per game rank second in the ACC, and her 40 total rank first nationally.
LET IT FLY
The three-ball has been good to the Tar Heels this season, as Carolina has knocked down 82 triples to date.
In the Courtney Banghart era, it's the most threes drained in the first nine games of a season.
Last year, the Tar Heels set a new program record with a total of 269 made threes in 2024-25.
LOCKDOWN FROM DEEP
While the Tar Heels were knocking down triples against N.C. A&T, the Aggies went 0-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Carolina made 12 more three-pointers than its opponent, the largest disparity since 2016.
NO I IN TEAM
In five of its nine games, Carolina has posed a balance scoring attack with at least five Tar Heels scoring 10+ points.
Eight different Tar Heels have tallied double-figure outings so far this season, with Indya Nivar scoring 10 or more points in every game.
YOUTH SHINING
A highly recruited freshman class came with expectations, and the group of four has sure delivered.
Through three games, Carolina's freshmen are averaging 17.4 points per outing. Nyla Brooks is leading the charge, averaging 11.0 points per game.
MAKIN' 'EM PAY
Forcing an average of 21.4 turnovers per game to rank No. 3 among ACC teams, the Tar Heels are making the most with their defense.
The Tar Heels are currently averaging 25.3points per game off their opponents' miscues and have earned 20 or more in seven out of nine games.
Carolina cashed in a season-high 40 points off turnovers against UNCG.
ROCKIN' AND ROLLIN'
The offense wasted no time getting going against NC Central, with Carolina scoring 90 points for the sixth time in a season opener under Banghart.
The 48-point margin of victory was also the second-best in a season opener under Banghart.
Carolina is now 19-0 under Banghart when scoring 90 or more points.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
With plenty of noise surrounding Nyla Brooks, the true freshman sure delivered against NC Central. The Waldorf, Md., product led all scorers with 15 points, while shooting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc.
Brooks became the first freshman to lead Carolina in scoring in its opening game since Deja Kelly scored 19 points against Radford in 2020.
Following up her opening day performance with 10 points against Elon, Brooks continues the streak by Kelly set in 2020.
DOMINATE THE GLASS
The glass was sure kept clean against the Eagles, with the Tar Heels outrebounding NC Central by a margin of +28, with UNC grabbing 48 rebounds.
The feat marked the second best margin by any ACC squad on the opening day of college basketball and No. 15 overall nationally.
Ciera Toomey and Nyla Harris led this charge, with each recording a double-double against NC Central. Toomey tallied a career-high 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Harris added 12 points and 10 boards.
It was the 11th game under Banghart in which two players posted double-doubles.
SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT
Opening the season on a loud note, Carolina packed Carmichael on its Field Trip Day with a total of 6,336 in attendance.
The number broke the attendance record in Carmichael during the Banghart era.
NO PLACE LIKE CARMICHAEL
In the only home in the history of Carolina women's basketball, the Tar Heels have traditionally held home-court advantage. Carolina is 38-2 under Banghart in home non-conference games and has won 31 straight games against unranked non-conference teams at home.
NEW LOOK, SAME MISSION
Back for year seven with Courtney Banghart at the helm, the Tar Heels bring back eight returners from last season's Sweet 16 squad.
Despite losing mainstays in Lexi Donarski, Maria Gakdeng, and Alyssa Ustby to graduation, Carolina reloaded with the addition of two transfers and four freshmen.
LOOKING BETTER IN CAROLINA BLUE
Elina Aarnisalo spent one season at UCLA and made a run to the Final Four with the Bruins, before making her way to Chapel Hill. An elite distributor, Aarnisalo averaged 3.4 assists per game to rank 15th among all Division I freshmen last season.
No stranger to the ACC, Nyla Harris chose to spend her final season in Carolina Blue after three seasons at Louisville.
As one of the most efficient shooters in the league the past two years, Harris led the Cardinals from the field as a sophomore and junior. Overall, Harris boasts a 54.2% career field goal percentage.
Regarded as one of the nation's top forwards, Harris also found herself on the Cheryl Miller Award Preseason Top-20 watch list.
THE FIERCE FRESHMEN
Youth is abundant for the Tar Heels, as Carolina brought in a highly rated freshman class with one international star and three ranked in ESPN's top 100 for the Class of 2025.
Following two years on the professional circuit in Russia, Moscow native, Liza Astakhova is ready to take her European game to the United States. Joining the Tar Heels in August, Astakhova looks to provide depth after appearing in 39 games last year with the Russia-PBL.
The fifth McDonald's All-American recruited by Banghart, Nyla Brooks is poised to make some noise in her debut campaign.
Coming out of Bishop Ireton High School, Brooks earned a multitude of honors throughout her prep career. The guard came in as the No. 13 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 by ESPN and picked up honors as the Gatorade Virginia Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Most recently, Brooks was touted as one of ESPN's Most Impactful Freshmen and was named the first Tar Heel to the ACC Preseason All-Freshman team since 2021.
After missing her senior season of high school due to injury, Taliyah Henderson is ready to make her return to the court. A multi-sport athlete, Henderson proved to be a star on the hardwood and the track at Salpointe Catholic High School in Vail, Arizona.
The guard also boasts international experience, representing Canada at the FIBA U18 Women's Americup in 2024.
She averaged 9.5 points and 6.3 rebounds Per game, as Canada went on to earn a silver medal at the event.
Graduating early from high school to spend this past spring with Carolina, Taissa Queiroz is prepped to make her debut in Carolina Blue. Spending her high school years at Cardinal Newman in the Bay Area, Queiroz has generated plenty of buzz through representing her home country of Brazil.
This past offseason, Queiroz played with Brazil in two exhibitions against WNBA squads in the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. She also joined Brazil at the 2025 GloblJam this past summer in Canada, earning a bronze medal.
A TRUE POINT DAWG
The acclaim for Reniya Kelly continues to grow, just like her game as the guard was named Preseason All-ACC by the league's media and coaches.
All-ACC Second Team as a sophomore, Kelly preps for her junior season after lighting it up in her second year of collegiate action. Posting eye-popping numbers in ACC play, Kelly averaged 11.4 points per game to rank second for the Tar Heels.
Proving her prowess from beyond the arc, Kelly knocked down 40 triples at a rate of 41.2%. Her field goal percentage from deep ranks No. 4 in a single season at Carolina.
With 53 career starts under her belt, Kelly also picked up honors as one of the nation's top point guards, earning a spot on the Nancy Lieberman Award Preseason Top-20 Watch list and the Naismith Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.
LANIE GRANT ON THE RISE
Playing in all 37 games during her freshman campaign last season, Lanie Grant is poised for a sophomore jump after earning ACC All-Freshman Team accolades.
Scoring double-figures in 11 games, Grant posted a career-best 19 points twice. She also led Carolina in scoring in four games, including twice in ACC action.
Grant still remains one of the youngest Tar Heels, skipping her senior season of high school to reclassify and join UNC a year early.
ACC ACCLAIM
In the league's preseason polls, Carolina was selected to finish third by the ACC's coaches and media.
The Tar Heels highest finish in the Banghart era came in 2022, where UNC boasted a 13-5 record to tie for third in the conference.
Last season, Carolina outperformed its expectations from the preseason poll. After being projected to finish 6th, Carolina went 13-5 in league play to tie for 4th.
PRESEASON POLLS
With winning an expectation in Chapel Hill, the sentiment is reiterated nationally with the Tar Heels ranked No. 11 overall in both the AP and the USA Today/Coaches Preseason Polls.
The mark in the AP Poll is the highest start to a season for Carolina since 2009, where UNC began the season ranked No. 4.
In the USA Today/Coaches Poll, it matched Carolina's best start in the poll since the 2012-13 season.
TAR HEELS AND NCAA TOURNAMENT FOES
Prepping for March all throughout November and December, Carolina is set to take on eight NCAA Tournament squads between its exhibition and the regular season during its non-conference slate.
NO. 12/10 NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS (8-1, 0-0 ACC)
Head Coach: Courtney Banghart (Dartmouth, 2000)
Record at North Carolina: 133-65 (7th season)
Career Record: 387-168 (19th season)
NO. 2/2 TEXAS LONGHORNS (8-0, 0-0 SEC)
Head Coach: Vic Shaefer (Texas A&M, 1984)
Record at Texas: 152-36 (6th season)
Career Record: 453-208 (21st season)
TIPPING OFF
• Carolina is on the hunt to knock off a ranked team on the road for the fifth straight season, as the Tar Heels head South to Texas for the 2025 ACC/SEC Challenge. In the third season of the event, Carolina hits the road for the first time.
• Overall, Carolina is 1-1 in ACC/SEC Challenge games. Last season in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels defeated then No. 14 Kentucky by a 19-point margin at 72-53. It was the largest win against any AP Top-25 opponent since 2020, and its largest win over a top-15-ranked opponent since 2011.
• Making a splash at the 2025 Cancun Challenge, Carolina handily won three games in three days to claim its second consecutive multi-team event title. Indya Nivar took home tournament MVP honors after stuffing the stat sheet in Mexico.
SCOUTING THE LONGHORNS
Arguably the nation's hottest team, Texas enters the ACC/SEC Challenge with a record of 8-0 and ranked No. 2 nationally.
The Longhorns picked up two top-five wins last week at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, downing then No. 3 UCLA and No. 2 South Carolina.
Running one of the most high-powered offenses in the country, Texas currently ranks No. 6 overall with 92.1 points per game.
The Longhorns also boast one of the best floor generals in the game in Rori Harmon, who is currently averaging 6.3 assists per game.
The Longhorns also boast two-time First Team All-American and the 2025 SEC Player of the Year in Madison Booker. Currently, the junior is averaging 16.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
SERIES HISTORY VS. TEXAS
The Tar Heels and Longhorns meet for only the second time, and the first in Austin on Thursday.
The two historic programs' only previous meeting was in January of 1981, where Carolina defeated Texas. 75-73 in Chapel Hill.
LAST TIME OUT
Capping off its time in paradise on a high note, Carolina took care of business against Columbia, 80-63, to rattle off three wins in three days.
Matching her career-high with 19 points, Lanie Grant led Carolina in scoring with eight made field goals.
The Tar Heels also went to work in the paint, scoring 50 points overall with Ciera Toomey leading the way with 18.
Nyla Harris provided support on the inside, adding 10 points and five rebounds.
A season-high 36 minutes from Elina Aarnisalo translated to a season-high 15 points as she also matched her career-high with three steals.
ACC/SEC CHALLENGE - ROUND 3
In its first time heading on the road in the ACC/SEC Challenge, Carolina sits at 1-1 overall in the event.
Carolina defeated then No. 14 Kentucky last season in Chapel Hill, 72-53.
Against SEC squads under Banghart, Carolina is 3-5 overall.
The Tar Heels last defeated an SEC team on its home court back in 2008, knocking off Oklahoma on its home court in Norman.
VS. RANKED TEAMS
Under Banghart, the Tar Heels are 22-30 overall against AP Top-25 teams.
Carolina's lone ranked foe of the season was then No. 3 UCLA in Las Vegas.
VS. RANKED TEAMS ON THE ROAD
Overall, Carolina boasts 36 ranked wins on the road. Last season, Carolina picked up a victory on the road against a No. 19-ranked Cal squad.
The win over the Bears was the largest-ranked road win in the Courtney Banghart era and ties for the largest in program history since 2019 at No. 7 NC State.
UNC has knocked off a ranked team on the road in each of the last four seasons.
CAROLINA AGAINST THE TOP-FIVE
Against top-five teams, Carolina owns 22 overall wins.
Its last win over a top-five opponent overall came in 2023, when the Tar Heels defeated No. 4 Notre Dame, 60-50 in Chapel Hill.
The Tar Heels recorded their last road win on a top-five court, over No. 3 Duke on Feb. 10, 2014.
THRIVING IN PARADISE
Rattling off three wins in three days at the 2025 Cancun Challenge, North Carolina picked up its second straight multi-team event title and its fifth under Banghart.
Indya Nivar took home Cancun Challenge Tournament MVP honors, while Lanie Grant earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
NOTHING BUT NET
In the first edition of the 2025-26 NCAA Women's Basketball NET, North Carolina came in at No. 13 overall.
The Tar Heels have already earned two quad-two wins this season, defeating No. 41 Fairfield and No. 57 South Dakota State.
Thursday's game in Austin presents one of seven current quad-one opportunities on Carolina's schedule.
CAN'T STOP HER
Lately, opponents can't stop Indya Nivar from scoring or scoring on her. In Cancun, Nivar stuffed the stat sheet and averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.7 steals, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 56.3% from the floor.
Nivar is the first player in the Banghart era to snag four or more steals in three straight games.
Her seven assists against Kansas State were the most by any Tar Heel in a single-game this season and set a new career-high for the senior.
Her play in Cancun earned her ACC Player of the Week honors for the first time in her career. Reniya Kelly joins her as the only two active Tar Heels to earn the distinction.
THREES ON THREES ON THREES
When Carolina shoots from beyond the arc, there's a high chance its going in. Against Kansas State, the Tar Heels knocked down 14 made triples.
The mark tied the program record, which had been previously set 11 times. Knocking down 14 triples against the Wildcats marked the third time under Banghart in which Carolina reached the threshold.
Carolina's performance against Kansas State from deep also set a new standard. With four straight games with 10 or more triples, it's the first time in available program records where Carolina has achieved the feat.
SHARING IS CARING
There's no I in team, and the Tar Heels are certainly proving so.
Against Kansas State, Carolina matched its season high with 21 helpers.
In the last three of four games, Carolina has dished out 20 or more assists which tied the longest streak since the start of the 2011-12 season.
Indya Nivar dished out a career-high seven dimes, the most by any Tar Heel this season.
HISTORY - WRITTEN
In a historic performance, Indya Nivar's triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds and 10 steals marked the second triple-double in the rich history of Carolina women's basketball.
Nivar joins former teammate Alyssa Ustby as the only two Tar Heels to achieve the feat.
Her 10 steals also etched her name again in the Carolina record books, matching the program single-game record set by Pam Leake in 1995. Nivar is one of four players nationally this year to snag double-figure steals in a game.
Nivar is the second ACC player to record a triple-double this season, and the 50th in the history of the conference.
By recording a triple-double with steals, Nivar is the fourth to accomplish the feat in the history of the league.
RUNNING DEEP
Depth is a huge factor for the Tar Heels this season, as they currently average 33.1 points per game from its reserves. Carolina's bench scoring ranks No. 23 nationally and third overall in the ACC.
Coming off the bench, Nyla Brooks leads the reserves with 11.0 points per game.
FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS
The offense is rocking and rolling for Carolina, scoring 80+ points in the last six games.
It's the longest 80+ scoring streak since February of the 2014 season.
RAINING THREES
The three-ball is flying for the Tar Heels, as Carolina knocked down 10 or more against UNCG, South Dakota State, and against Columbia.
It's the first time in the Banghart era that Carolina has achieved the feat.
Nyla Brooks led the charge, shooting 15-of-27 from deep during the stretch.
SHE'S JUST A FRESHMAN
With the confidence Nyla Brooks brings to the court, she has already asserted herself as one of the nation's top freshmen.
Posting a performance of perfection against UNCG, Brooks scored a career-high 18 points while shooting 7-of-7 from the field and 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.
Brooks' outing vs. the Spartans propelled her to earn her first ACC Freshman of the Week honors on Nov. 24. She's the first freshman to pick up the honor for Carolina since the 2023 season. Overall, Carolina leads the ACC with 84 Freshmen of the Week selections.
Her scoring has remained consistent, as she's the first freshman Tar Heel to score in double figures in five of her first six games since Jocelyn Jones and Janelle Bailey both did so in 2017.
CT'S COMING
The development of Ciera Toomey has been undeniable, as the redshirt-sophomore's work in the offseason is now shining.
Posting a career-high 19 points against UNCG, Toomey also dished out a career-best four assists.
Toomey's presence in the paint is assisting Carolina to post an average of 41.1 points per game in the paint. The Tar Heels have posted 50+ point games in the paint twice this season.
RIGHT ON TARGET
The shots were falling against UNCG, as Carolina ended up shooting 39-of-59 from the field for a percentage of 66.1%.
This mark ranked No. 2 in a single-game field goal percentage at UNC and holds the record in the Banghart era.
WINNING IS A TRADITION
Throughout the history of North Carolina women's basketball, it has boasted 30 20-win seasons.
A win over South Dakota State gave Carolina its 1,100 program victory. The Tar Heels became the 17th Division I women's program to reach the mark and the third in the ACC.
DEFENSE ON LOCK
Holding yet another opponent under 50 points in keeping South Dakota State to 48 points, Carolina has now held 456points under 50 in the Banghart era.
So far this year, Carolina has held four of its nine opponents under 50 points. Last season, UNC held 11 opponents under the mark.
BROOKS LOVES THE DEEP BALL
Making a strong impact during her freshman campaign, Nyla Brooks is proving her prowess from beyond the arc.
She currently leads the Tar Heels with 21 made triples and leads the ACC among freshman with an average of 2.33 per game.
AN EMERGING LEADER
In her final season in Carolina Blue, Indya Nivar is making it count as she has posted double-digits in each outing this year.
The Apex, N.C., native is currently riding a career-long streak of eight consecutive games in double-figure scoring.
She currently leads Carolina with an average of 12.1 points per game.
Not only is Nivar showing her leadership on the offensive end, but she is also shining on defense. Her 4.4 steals per game rank second in the ACC, and her 40 total rank first nationally.
LET IT FLY
The three-ball has been good to the Tar Heels this season, as Carolina has knocked down 82 triples to date.
In the Courtney Banghart era, it's the most threes drained in the first nine games of a season.
Last year, the Tar Heels set a new program record with a total of 269 made threes in 2024-25.
LOCKDOWN FROM DEEP
While the Tar Heels were knocking down triples against N.C. A&T, the Aggies went 0-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Carolina made 12 more three-pointers than its opponent, the largest disparity since 2016.
NO I IN TEAM
In five of its nine games, Carolina has posed a balance scoring attack with at least five Tar Heels scoring 10+ points.
Eight different Tar Heels have tallied double-figure outings so far this season, with Indya Nivar scoring 10 or more points in every game.
YOUTH SHINING
A highly recruited freshman class came with expectations, and the group of four has sure delivered.
Through three games, Carolina's freshmen are averaging 17.4 points per outing. Nyla Brooks is leading the charge, averaging 11.0 points per game.
MAKIN' 'EM PAY
Forcing an average of 21.4 turnovers per game to rank No. 3 among ACC teams, the Tar Heels are making the most with their defense.
The Tar Heels are currently averaging 25.3points per game off their opponents' miscues and have earned 20 or more in seven out of nine games.
Carolina cashed in a season-high 40 points off turnovers against UNCG.
ROCKIN' AND ROLLIN'
The offense wasted no time getting going against NC Central, with Carolina scoring 90 points for the sixth time in a season opener under Banghart.
The 48-point margin of victory was also the second-best in a season opener under Banghart.
Carolina is now 19-0 under Banghart when scoring 90 or more points.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
With plenty of noise surrounding Nyla Brooks, the true freshman sure delivered against NC Central. The Waldorf, Md., product led all scorers with 15 points, while shooting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc.
Brooks became the first freshman to lead Carolina in scoring in its opening game since Deja Kelly scored 19 points against Radford in 2020.
Following up her opening day performance with 10 points against Elon, Brooks continues the streak by Kelly set in 2020.
DOMINATE THE GLASS
The glass was sure kept clean against the Eagles, with the Tar Heels outrebounding NC Central by a margin of +28, with UNC grabbing 48 rebounds.
The feat marked the second best margin by any ACC squad on the opening day of college basketball and No. 15 overall nationally.
Ciera Toomey and Nyla Harris led this charge, with each recording a double-double against NC Central. Toomey tallied a career-high 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Harris added 12 points and 10 boards.
It was the 11th game under Banghart in which two players posted double-doubles.
SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT
Opening the season on a loud note, Carolina packed Carmichael on its Field Trip Day with a total of 6,336 in attendance.
The number broke the attendance record in Carmichael during the Banghart era.
NO PLACE LIKE CARMICHAEL
In the only home in the history of Carolina women's basketball, the Tar Heels have traditionally held home-court advantage. Carolina is 38-2 under Banghart in home non-conference games and has won 31 straight games against unranked non-conference teams at home.
NEW LOOK, SAME MISSION
Back for year seven with Courtney Banghart at the helm, the Tar Heels bring back eight returners from last season's Sweet 16 squad.
Despite losing mainstays in Lexi Donarski, Maria Gakdeng, and Alyssa Ustby to graduation, Carolina reloaded with the addition of two transfers and four freshmen.
LOOKING BETTER IN CAROLINA BLUE
Elina Aarnisalo spent one season at UCLA and made a run to the Final Four with the Bruins, before making her way to Chapel Hill. An elite distributor, Aarnisalo averaged 3.4 assists per game to rank 15th among all Division I freshmen last season.
No stranger to the ACC, Nyla Harris chose to spend her final season in Carolina Blue after three seasons at Louisville.
As one of the most efficient shooters in the league the past two years, Harris led the Cardinals from the field as a sophomore and junior. Overall, Harris boasts a 54.2% career field goal percentage.
Regarded as one of the nation's top forwards, Harris also found herself on the Cheryl Miller Award Preseason Top-20 watch list.
THE FIERCE FRESHMEN
Youth is abundant for the Tar Heels, as Carolina brought in a highly rated freshman class with one international star and three ranked in ESPN's top 100 for the Class of 2025.
Following two years on the professional circuit in Russia, Moscow native, Liza Astakhova is ready to take her European game to the United States. Joining the Tar Heels in August, Astakhova looks to provide depth after appearing in 39 games last year with the Russia-PBL.
The fifth McDonald's All-American recruited by Banghart, Nyla Brooks is poised to make some noise in her debut campaign.
Coming out of Bishop Ireton High School, Brooks earned a multitude of honors throughout her prep career. The guard came in as the No. 13 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 by ESPN and picked up honors as the Gatorade Virginia Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Most recently, Brooks was touted as one of ESPN's Most Impactful Freshmen and was named the first Tar Heel to the ACC Preseason All-Freshman team since 2021.
After missing her senior season of high school due to injury, Taliyah Henderson is ready to make her return to the court. A multi-sport athlete, Henderson proved to be a star on the hardwood and the track at Salpointe Catholic High School in Vail, Arizona.
The guard also boasts international experience, representing Canada at the FIBA U18 Women's Americup in 2024.
She averaged 9.5 points and 6.3 rebounds Per game, as Canada went on to earn a silver medal at the event.
Graduating early from high school to spend this past spring with Carolina, Taissa Queiroz is prepped to make her debut in Carolina Blue. Spending her high school years at Cardinal Newman in the Bay Area, Queiroz has generated plenty of buzz through representing her home country of Brazil.
This past offseason, Queiroz played with Brazil in two exhibitions against WNBA squads in the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. She also joined Brazil at the 2025 GloblJam this past summer in Canada, earning a bronze medal.
A TRUE POINT DAWG
The acclaim for Reniya Kelly continues to grow, just like her game as the guard was named Preseason All-ACC by the league's media and coaches.
All-ACC Second Team as a sophomore, Kelly preps for her junior season after lighting it up in her second year of collegiate action. Posting eye-popping numbers in ACC play, Kelly averaged 11.4 points per game to rank second for the Tar Heels.
Proving her prowess from beyond the arc, Kelly knocked down 40 triples at a rate of 41.2%. Her field goal percentage from deep ranks No. 4 in a single season at Carolina.
With 53 career starts under her belt, Kelly also picked up honors as one of the nation's top point guards, earning a spot on the Nancy Lieberman Award Preseason Top-20 Watch list and the Naismith Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.
LANIE GRANT ON THE RISE
Playing in all 37 games during her freshman campaign last season, Lanie Grant is poised for a sophomore jump after earning ACC All-Freshman Team accolades.
Scoring double-figures in 11 games, Grant posted a career-best 19 points twice. She also led Carolina in scoring in four games, including twice in ACC action.
Grant still remains one of the youngest Tar Heels, skipping her senior season of high school to reclassify and join UNC a year early.
ACC ACCLAIM
In the league's preseason polls, Carolina was selected to finish third by the ACC's coaches and media.
The Tar Heels highest finish in the Banghart era came in 2022, where UNC boasted a 13-5 record to tie for third in the conference.
Last season, Carolina outperformed its expectations from the preseason poll. After being projected to finish 6th, Carolina went 13-5 in league play to tie for 4th.
PRESEASON POLLS
With winning an expectation in Chapel Hill, the sentiment is reiterated nationally with the Tar Heels ranked No. 11 overall in both the AP and the USA Today/Coaches Preseason Polls.
The mark in the AP Poll is the highest start to a season for Carolina since 2009, where UNC began the season ranked No. 4.
In the USA Today/Coaches Poll, it matched Carolina's best start in the poll since the 2012-13 season.
TAR HEELS AND NCAA TOURNAMENT FOES
Prepping for March all throughout November and December, Carolina is set to take on eight NCAA Tournament squads between its exhibition and the regular season during its non-conference slate.
- South Carolina - 2025 Final Four
- UCLA - 2025 Final Four
- Fairfield - 2025 First Round
- UNCG - 2025 First Round
- South Dakota State - 2025 Second Round
- Kansas State - 2025 Sweet 16
- Columbia - 2025 First Round
- Texas - 2025 Final Four
HOME SWEET HOME
The confines of Carmichael Arena have been friendly to the Tar Heels throughout non-conference action, as Carolina has won 31 straight games at home against unranked non-conference teams.
This streak dates back to the 2019 season.
MILESTONE WATCH
• Elina Aarnisalo - 149 career assists
- One away from 150.
• Nyla Harris - 877 career points
- 123 away from 1,000.
• Indya Nivar - 171 career steals
- 29 away from 200.
WHAT'S NEXT
After two weeks on the road, Carolina returns to Carmichael Arena for a four-game home stretch before the holidays.
First up, UNC welcomes Boston University to Chapel Hill on Sunday at Noon ET, airing on ACC Network.
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