The UNC women's basketball program went to paradise but didn't let it stand in the way of them taking care of business on the court.
North Carolina wrapped up the Cancun Challenge with another double-digit victory, this one over Columbia. The Tar Heels captured a perfect 3-0 record in a three-day span to return home on a six-game winning streak.
While the UNC women's basketball program cruised to victory in their first two games of the Cancun Challenge, the Columbia Lions hung tight with the No. 12-ranked Tar Heels for a good portion of the game. In fact, only four points separated the two teams at the break, showing just how competitive this contest way.
In the end, North Carolina flexed its muscles and showed that they were the better team, pulling away for good in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. The Tar Heels shot 58% from the floor, including 42% from deep, as they hope the high shooting numbers follow them when they hit the road next week for more non-conference action.
A balanced scoring effort
This team has proven one thing: they are not concerned with who scores the basketball.
In fact, instead of taking a good shot, they quite often make a pass that sets up a great shot. Nyla Brooks passing up an open look from three-point range to drive to the basket, finding an open Taliyah Henderson for the easy score is one example of that, as North Carolina continues to play unselfish basketball.
It is evident in their scoring outputs on a regular basis. You can make a strong argument that 6-7 different players could lead the team in scoring on any night, and that might be a higher number given the amount of depth they feature.
In total, five players scored in double-figures, including Lanie Grant who put together another outstanding effort. The sophomore guard scored a team-high 19 points while adding four rebounds and four assists to her stat line.
Ciera Toomey found her groove, connecting on eight of nine shots from the floor for 18 total points. Elina Aarnisale (15 points) and Nyla Harris (10) also scored in double-figures.
The impact of Indya Nivar
Nivar has been absolutely sensational for the UNC women's basketball program this season, and her efforts in Cancun have shown just that. Just days after recording the second triple-double in program history, Nivar had another performance that stuffed the stat sheet, finishing the final game of the event with 11 points, six rebounds, six assists and six steals.
Even when her shots weren't falling, Nivar made winning plays on both ends of the floor, as she is truly starting to emerge as the leader for Courtney Banghart's squad.
What's next?
After playing three consecutive days, the UNC women's basketball program will return to Chapel Hill for some days of rest and practice. They have a few days before they head to Texas to take on the Longhorns in the ACC/SEC Challenge, a game that is highly-anticipated given both teams are ranked currently among the top-12 in the latest AP Top 25 poll.