University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
NC State
WBB Falls In ACC Tournament Semifinal To NC State
March 8, 2025 | Women's Basketball
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Going toe-to-toe with rival No. 1 seeded NC State in the 2025 Ally ACC Women's Basketball Tournament Semifinal, fifth seeded North Carolina fought back against the Wolfpack yet came up short, 66-55.
In its third game in three days, North Carolina (27-6, 13-4 ACC) could not overcome (NC State (26-5, 16-2 ACC) to knock off the Wolfpack for a second time this season.
Coming on late, Indya Nivar scored all 13 of her points in the fourth quarter to lead Carolina. Notching her fourth double-double this season off of 10 points and 10 rebounds, Maria Gakdeng paced the Tar Heels off the glass. Coming in off the bench, Grace Townsend dished out a team-best four assists.
Carolina came out rearing to go with a 5-0 run, until NC State shot back with an 16-0 run of its own to lead 16-5 at the end of the first quarter.
With Grant knocking down a three, UNC began to gain a bit of energy to cut into the Wolfpack's advantage. Coming within 10 points before the break, Carolina kept pushing NC State to make its way to the line. Knocking down seven free throws in the second, the Tar Heels ran out to grab a layup in the last seconds from Townsend to close the deficit to 33-26 at the half.
Working to close in on the Wolfpack, UNC came as close within nine. Both teams entered a scoring lull throughout the third, which allowed Carolina to remain in reach. The Wolfpack began to knock down their shots, leading 54-37 heading into the fourth.
Refusing to quit, Nivar battled with a 8-0 run of her own with five minutes left to pull within 10. Despite the scoring burst, Carolina could not keep pace with NC State to send the Tar Heels home, 66-55.
Carolina awaits its fate with the unveiling of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament bracket next Sunday, March 16. The selection show will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.
