How about this for an early-season non-conference battle!
Courtney Banghart, ranked No. 11 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll, head to Las Vegas, Nevada to take on No. 3-ranked UCLA in the WBCA Challenge. This marks the first of two contests that the Tar Heels will play while in the City of Lights, as they'll also square off against Fairfield on Saturday afternoon.
While its only going to be the third game for the Tar Heels on the early season, it is a chance for this group to show that they belong among the nation's best. It won't be an easy task, considering the Bruins are coming off a national championship game run a season ago and has a ton of talent from that squad still around.
However, this is a game that should be good to measure just where the UNC women's basketball program is at this point in the season and serves as another reminder that Courtney Banghart and her staff want their team to compete against the nation's best.
The Tar Heels certainly aren't ducking the smoke.
2025-2026 Season
No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels
Overall record: 2-0
Conference Record: 0-0
Home Record: 2-0
Away Record: 0-0
Neutral Site Record: 0-0
No. 3 UCLA Bruins
Overall record: 3-0
Conference Record: 0-0
Home Record: 3-0
Away Record: 0-0
Neutral Site Record: 0-0
Key Players
North Carolina
Indya Nivar (Sr. Guard)- 13.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Nyla Brooks (Fr. Guard)- 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists
Nyla Harris (Sr. Forward)- 11.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks
UCLA Bruins
Gianna Kneepkens (Sr. Guard)- 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Gabriela Jaquez (Sr. Guard)- 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Lauren Betts (Sr. Center)- 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists
Keys to Victory for North Carolina
Avoid foul trouble
UCLA has a distinct size advantage, led by 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts.
With Blanca Thomas' status in question, the UNC women's basketball program can not afford to get into foul trouble, especially when it comes to both Ciera Toomey and Nyla Harris.
Start strong
It is vital that North Carolina doesn't come out flat.
They can not afford a sluggish first half like they had against Elon, as this group shouldn't need any additional motivation to be amped up for this game.
A strong start would be a huge boost in the Tar Heels' quest to pull off the upset.
Cause havoc on the defensive end
Led by senior Indya Nivar, the Tar Heels have been very disruptive on the defensive end early on this season.
While UCLA has a height advantage, North Carolina can counter it by using its speed and athleticism to cause fits. If North Carolina can continue forcing turnovers, it will help lead to transition opportunities, as we know this team can definitely run the floor at an effective rate.
Something to Watch for
This game means more for Elina Aarnisalo, whether she admits it out loud or not.
Aarnisalo spent the 2024-2025 season with the Bruins before transferring to North Carolina for her sophomore season. The Helsinki, Finland native will look to beat her former team while helping her new squad make a major statement.
Projected Starters
No. 0- Lanie Grant
No. 2- Nyla Harris
No. 10- Reniya Kelly
No. 21- Ciera Toomey
No. 24- Indya Nivar