Tar Heels Throttle SMU for Program’s Largest ACC Victory & Banghart’s 400th Career Win

Thursday, February 12

Chapel Hill, N.C.

6 PM

North Carolina

21-5,10-3ACC

SMU

8-17,1-12ACC

SMU

North Carolina

Tar Heels Throttle SMU for Program’s Largest ACC Victory & Banghart’s 400th Career Win

February 12, 2026 | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In a midweek conference matchup, No. 21 North Carolina women's basketball utilized a dominant first half to power past SMU, 94-42, on Thursday night from Carmichael Arena. Carolina remains hot, winning straight in conference play to match its best streak since 2023.

Notching her 400th career win, Courtney Banghart, joins 47 active head coaches with 400 wins.

Powered by its perimeter shooting, North Carolina recorded its 11th game with 10 or more three-pointers, finishing with 12 on the night. Laila Hull came off the bench and knocked down three of those in the first half. The Tar Heels shot a 75% clip from beyond the arc in the first half, tying their season high.

Multiple Tar Heels added career milestones in the win against the Mustangs. Indya Nivar tallied five assists to reach the 250-assist mark and a steal to reach 200 for her career. Nivar finished with 14 points and four rebounds, notching her 19th game with double-figure scoring this season.

At the helm of the offense was Lanie Grant, posting 15 points, three assists, and three rebounds. Over the past seven contests, Grant has averaged just over 14 points per game. Taliyah Henderson added 13 points on a perfect shooting night, recording her fifth double-figure performance of the season.

On the glass, Nyla Harris grabbed five rebounds to reach 700 for her career. Over the past five games, Harris has totaled 20 boards to provide a consistent presence in the lane. As a team, North Carolina dominated the glass with +30 rebound margin, a new season high.

Helping hands were found all over the floor with 16 total assists through the first half. North Carolina tied its season-high with 24 assists on the night, led by Elina Aarnisalo, who tallied five.

North Carolina jumped out quickly in the first quarter, with five different Tar Heels connecting from 3-point range. Grant started the scoring from deep, extending her streak to 15 consecutive games with a 3-pointer. Harris continued to be creative in the paint, working around the Mustang defense. North Carolina closed the first quarter with a 28-9 advantage, the most points scored in a quarter in ACC play this season.

Into the second frame, Carolina endured a brief scoring drought due to some turnovers. On the other end, the defense continued to clamp down allowing only nine points through the quarter, five from the free-throw line. Hitting the gas, the Tar Heels were pacing the floor with multiple fast breaks to extend their lead. Off the bench, Laila Hull heated up with some triples and a block. North Carolina shot a blistering 65.5% in the first half, the highest mark this season, to carry a 49-18 advantage into the break.

After the break, Grant scored twice early to spark the offense. Nivar connected from long range off a sharp find from Ciera Toomey. The defense continued to hold the Mustangs to long and empty possessions. After a short scoring lull, Nyla Brooks converted inside to put the Tar Heels on a 6-0 run to end the quarter. North Carolina continued to lead the way 67-27 entering the fourth quarter.

Taissa Queiroz opened the final quarter with two quick baskets to continue the Tar Heel momentum. The North Carolina offense continued to add on the score, firing off a 13-3 scoring run midway through the period. Henderson was instrumental in the lane, hitting two scores through contact. Liza Astakhova added five late points to cap the offensive performance and secure a 94-42 victory, the largest scoring margin for North Carolina this season.

The Tar Heels remain in the Triangle and make the short drive for the first of two Tobacco Road showdowns against Duke. Carolina takes on the Blue Devils from Cameron Indoor on Sunday, at 1 p.m. ET on ABC.