The UNC women's basketball program built an early lead that was more than enough, securing a double-digit victory over Charleston Southern on Sunday afternoon to wrap up non-conference action.
Courtney Banghart's team finishes non-conference play with an 11-2 record, including a perfect 6-0 at home. The Tar Heels now brace for ACC play to fully get underway, with a trip to Boston College on the slate before the new year rolls in.
A dominant first half
The game felt like it was over at the half, as North Carolina took a 25-point lead into the locker room.
In front of the Carmichael faithful, the Tar Heels outscored the Buccaneers 23-13 in the first quarter and 27-12 in the second, as the UNC women's basketball program dominated in all aspects of the game.
Sluggish second half
While we all thought the Tar Heels would run away with this one, Charleston Southern had other plans. Behind an insane second half from Tyonna Bailey, who scored 31 points, the Buccaneers cut the Tar Heels lead to as little as 11 in the second half, showing a ton of fight against their top-25 ranked opponent.
Fortunately, the first half surge provided enough cushion for the Tar Heels to hold on.
Sharing is caring
During this season of giving, 10 of the 11 players who took the floor for the UNC women's basketball program scored.
Nyla Brooks led the balanced scoring attack with 19 points off the bench, setting a new career-high of six made three-pointers. Elina Aarnisalo had 16 of her own while Indya Nivar chimed in 14, as the Tar Heels shot just under 50% from the floor overall as a team.
What's next?
Carmichael Arena is closed until the new year, but the Tar Heels have one more game to take care of before 2025 comes to a close. The UNC women's basketball program will travel to Boston College for an 8:00 PM clash with the Eagles on December 29.