Courtney Banghart and the Tar Heels continue to take care of business.
North Carolina picked up it's 12th conference victory (and 23rd overall) as they defeated the visiting Pittsburgh Panthers in blowout fashion on Sunday afternoon in Chapel Hill.
Pittsburgh, who has struggled mightily in ACC play this season, came out swinging early. The Panthers held a seven point lead in the first quarter, one that the Tar Heels would trim to two before the quarter came to a close.
After starting off 4-20 from the floor, North Carolina ramped it up, as a 30-point second quarter put the game out of reach for good.
North Carolina outscored Pittsburgh 66-36 over the final 30 minutes of play, as they turned it up a notch and didn't take their foot off the gas.
Nyla Brooks impresses in first career start
Making her first collegiate start, freshman Nyla Brooks put together a very strong outing.
Over 28 minutes of action, Brooks led the way with 18 points, recording six rebounds and two steals as well. She started in place of Indya Nivar (who we'll get to in a minute).
Laila Hull was far from dull!
Laila Hull was on fire, especially from beyond-the-arc. She posted career-highs in points (17) and three-pointers made in a single game (5) over 18 impressive minutes off the bench.
Injury concerns for UNC?
Essentially, North Carolina played without three starters.
Reniya Kelly has been sidelined and is considered "week-to-week." That hasn't changed, adding more frustration for her as her junior year hasn't gone nearly as planned.
Nivar was a surprise scratch from the starting lineup. The senior did not play but did warm up prior to the start of the game, as the hope is that she was held out as a precautionary move by the Tar Heels' coaching staff.
Nyla Harris played just six minutes before her afternoon came to a close, as the status of both seniors will be something to monitor over the next few days.
What's Next?
Two regular season games remain for North Carolina.
The Tar Heels return to the state of Virginia to take on the Cavaliers on Thursday night before returning home for a rematch with rival Duke to close out the regular season on Sunday afternoon.