The slow start didn’t rattle them. It ignited them.After trailing at the end of the first quarter, the North Carolina Tar Heels flipped a switch and never looked back, overwhelming the Pittsburgh Panthers in dominant fashion Sunday afternoon in Chapel Hill. Under the steady leadership of head coach Courtney Banghart, North Carolina once again proved why it remains one of the most dangerous teams in the ACC.
The victory marked UNC’s 12th conference win and 23rd overall this season — another important step as the Tar Heels build momentum heading into the final stretch of regular-season play.
A Rocky Start Sparks a Relentless Response
For the opening ten minutes, it looked like Pittsburgh might have something to say about the afternoon’s outcome. The Panthers, who have endured a challenging ACC campaign, came out aggressive and confident. They attacked the rim, moved the ball crisply, and capitalized on North Carolina’s cold shooting start.
UNC opened the game just 4-for-20 from the field, struggling to find rhythm offensively. Pittsburgh took advantage, building a seven-point lead in the first quarter and silencing the home crowd momentarily.
But even during that slow start, there was no panic on the Tar Heels’ sideline. Banghart remained composed, urging her players to trust their preparation and defensive intensity.
By the end of the first quarter, UNC had trimmed the deficit to just two points — a subtle but critical shift in momentum.
Then came the avalanche.
A Second-Quarter Statement
North Carolina erupted for 30 points in the second quarter alone, turning a tight contest into a one-sided showcase. The ball movement sharpened. Defensive rotations tightened. Shots that rimmed out early began splashing through the net.
The Tar Heels pushed the tempo, attacked inside-out, and forced Pittsburgh into rushed possessions. What had been a competitive battle quickly transformed into a statement performance.
From that point forward, there was no doubt which team controlled the floor.
Over the final three quarters, North Carolina outscored Pittsburgh 66-36, suffocating the Panthers defensively while displaying balance and depth offensively. Every run by Pittsburgh was answered. Every attempt at momentum was erased.
The Tar Heels didn’t just win — they dominated.
Nyla Brooks Shines in First Career Start
One of the brightest storylines of the afternoon was freshman standout Nyla Brooks, who made her first collegiate start — and seized the opportunity.
Inserted into the starting lineup in place of senior Indya Nivar, Brooks played with poise well beyond her years. Over 28 minutes, she poured in a team-high 18 points while grabbing six rebounds and swiping two steals.
She attacked the basket fearlessly, knocked down mid-range shots with confidence, and played disruptive defense. More importantly, she brought energy — the kind that lifts an entire team.
For a freshman stepping into a bigger role, Brooks looked completely at home.
If this performance is any indication, North Carolina’s future remains incredibly bright.
Laila Hull Lights It Up
Coming off the bench, Laila Hull delivered a performance that electrified the crowd.
Hull was nothing short of sensational from beyond the arc. She knocked down five three-pointers — a career high — on her way to 17 points in just 18 minutes of action. Each shot seemed bigger than the last, stretching Pittsburgh’s defense and creating space for her teammates.
Her confidence was contagious. Every make fueled the Tar Heels’ surge.
Hull’s performance exemplified UNC’s depth — a team capable of receiving game-changing contributions from multiple players on any given night.
Battling Through Injury Concerns
While the win was impressive, it didn’t come without concerns.
North Carolina effectively played without three starters.
Reniya Kelly remains sidelined and is considered week-to-week, a frustrating development in what has been an injury-interrupted junior season.
Senior Indya Nivar was a surprise absence from the starting lineup. Although she participated in warmups, she did not see game action. The hope is that the coaching staff held her out as a precautionary measure rather than due to a significant setback.
Meanwhile, Nyla Harris played just six minutes before exiting, adding another question mark as the regular season winds down.
Yet even with key pieces missing, the Tar Heels didn’t falter. Instead, they leaned on their depth, resilience, and defensive identity — traits that define championship-caliber teams.
Building Momentum at the Right Time
As the regular season nears its conclusion, North Carolina appears to be peaking at the perfect moment.
The Tar Heels have now won 12 conference games and continue to stack confidence-building performances. Their defensive intensity, combined with improved offensive efficiency, makes them a formidable opponent heading into postseason play.
Perhaps most encouraging is the team’s adaptability. Whether overcoming a slow start or adjusting to lineup changes due to injuries, UNC has demonstrated composure and unity.
That mindset could prove invaluable in the coming weeks.
What’s Next?
Only two regular-season games remain.
North Carolina will hit the road to face the Virginia Cavaliers before returning home for a highly anticipated rematch against archrival Duke Blue Devils to close out the regular season.
With ACC tournament positioning on the line — and pride at stake in the rivalry showdown — the Tar Heels have every reason to stay locked in.
If Sunday’s performance was any indication, they are doing far more than just handling business.
They are sending a message.
After a brief early stumble, North Carolina didn’t just respond — they roared.
