It came down to the wire, but the Tar Heels found a way to get the job done.
North Carolina took the trip to Raleigh and handed their in-state foes, the NC State Wolfpack, a loss on their home floor on Monday night. While the crowd featured plenty of red (and pink for Play 4 Kay night), the Carolina Blue was the color that stood out the most.
As expected, this was a back-and-forth affair between two in-state foes. When one team would go on a run, the other would answer right back, trading punches throughout the entire game.
When the second half began, North Carolina got hot, outscoring NC State 18-8 to take the lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Tar Heels went into the final two minutes of the game leading 59-52, but as expected, the Wolfpack wouldn't go away easily. In fact, the home team cut the lead to just two with just 40 seconds remaining, as North Carolina found a way to escalate our stress levels down the stretch.
Following a turnover, the Tar Heels defense got a much-needed stop, leaving minimal time on the clock with Indya Nivar heading to the free throw line for two shots. While Nivar missed both, she gained her own rebound, securing the victory for North Carolina.
The duo of Nivar and Lanie Grant were outstanding, combining for 34 points. Grant led all scorers with 18 points, adding three rebounds, while Nivar had another typical performance that we've grown accustomed to seeing from her, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Nyla Harris (10 points) and Reniya Kelly (9 points) helped pace the offensive attack in what now serves as Courtney Banghart's first victory in Raleigh.
After that nail-biting victory, the Tar Heels have a quick turnaround when they host Clemson on Thursday night in Chapel Hill. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM EST.