The No. 12 North Carolina women’s basketball team (6-1) opened its 2025 Cancun Challenge with authority on Thanksgiving Day, rolling past previously unbeaten South Dakota State (5-1) in an 83-48 statement victory. From the opening tip, the Tar Heels controlled the tempo, dictated the physicality and showcased the defensive intensity that has defined their strongest performances this season.
Senior guard Indya Nivar delivered the highlight of the afternoon, recording a historic triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 10 steals — just the second triple-double in program history. Her performance set the tone for a UNC team that thrived on relentless pressure, converting turnovers into confident, fast-paced scoring opportunities.
North Carolina wasted little time establishing momentum, storming out to a 9-0 start fueled by precision ball movement and stifling full-court pressure. Nivar sparked the run with a steal and smooth transition layup, showing early signs of the dominant two-way performance she would deliver the rest of the game. But after the early burst, the Tar Heels endured a brief scoring drought, going nearly three minutes without a basket. The lull ended when sophomore guard Elina Aarnisalo calmly stepped to the free-throw line and knocked down two shots to restore rhythm and extend the lead to 11-2.
South Dakota State responded with a modest 4-0 run, but the Tar Heels refused to let the Jackrabbits gain confidence. First-year guard Nyla Brooks delivered a momentum-stealing moment at the close of the first quarter, drilling a right-wing three-pointer to give UNC a 16-9 advantage. It was only the beginning of what would become a breakout game for Brooks.
In the second quarter, Brooks ignited the Tar Heel offense, burying three three-pointers and showcasing smooth off-ball movement and confidence beyond her years. Her perimeter shooting complemented UNC’s aggressive interior attack and widened the scoring gap as the Heels continued to pound away at the SDSU defense.
While the offense found its groove, UNC’s defense proved equally — if not more — impressive. The Tar Heels hounded the Jackrabbits into rushed passes, empty possessions and uncomfortable shots. By halftime, North Carolina had already forced 10 steals, many of which turned into easy transition points on the other end. Every defensive stop seemed to generate instant offense, creating a rhythm SDSU struggled to answer.
Aarnisalo also made her presence felt as the first half progressed. Mixing crafty drives with sharp decision-making, she maneuvered effortlessly through defensive pressure to reach double figures before halftime. Her tenth point came off a slashing finish at the rim, pushing the Tar Heels to a commanding 36-20 lead. The first half closed with another highlight from Nivar — a clean, catch-and-shoot three-pointer that punctuated UNC’s near-flawless opening 20 minutes and extended the advantage to 41-23.
North Carolina backed up its dominant first half with an equally strong start to the third quarter. Nivar opened the half by snatching her sixth steal and converting yet another transition layup, pushing the margin to 49-24. Every possession underscored the same message: UNC was playing faster, stronger and more disciplined on both ends of the floor.
Redshirt sophomore guard Laila Hull added to the barrage from deep, knocking down a three-pointer late in the quarter — the Tar Heels’ eighth of the game. UNC’s offensive diversity was on full display, with players at every position contributing to the scoring load. By the end of the third, the Tar Heels had ballooned their lead to 64-33, effectively putting the game out of reach.
The fourth quarter featured a balanced, confident performance from the Tar Heels, who saw five different players score as they closed out the game with poise. Despite the sizable lead, UNC maintained its defensive intensity, executing disciplined rotations and communicating seamlessly. Their effort ensured that South Dakota State never mounted a run capable of threatening the outcome. When the final buzzer sounded, the Tar Heels had snapped the Jackrabbits’ five-game winning streak and stamped their place as a tournament favorite.
North Carolina’s 83-48 victory highlighted not just the individual brilliance of players like Nivar, Brooks and Aarnisalo, but also the impressive cohesion and balance that have defined the team’s early season success. Whether through second-chance points, efficient three-point shooting or suffocating defensive pressure, UNC demonstrated the identity of a team that is continuing to grow — and doing so with confidence.
With the first game of the Cancun Challenge firmly in the win column, the Tar Heels will return to action on Friday at 11 a.m., where they will face Kansas State in their second matchup of the tournament. If their opening performance is any indication, North Carolina appears poised to continue making noise on the international stage and solidify their standing as one of the nation’s top teams.
