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There's a hallmark of every good postseason team: strong defense. The UNC women's basketball squad, playing in its seventh-straight NCAA Tournament, has a strong defense that so many programs covet.
In their NCAA Tournament opener on Friday night, the Tar Heels used that strong defense once again. North Carolina held Western Illinois to 30 percent shooting overall and 13% from deep, winning 82-51 and proving itself capable of a deep run.
UNC's (27-7, 14-4 ACC) greatest incoming challenge was Leathernecks (26-6, 16-4 OHC) forward Mia Nicastro, who averages 24 points per game. Nicastro thrived again, scoring 21 points and grabbing nine rebounds, but no one else on WIU scored in double-figures.
The Tar Heels enjoyed a solid shooting night in Carmichael Arena, with 43% doing the trick. Forward Nyla Harris thrived in one of her best games, recording a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double. Lanie Grant added 15 points, Nyla Brooks contributed 14 points off the bench, while Indya Nivar provided 11 points in the starting lineup.
North Carolina only led by eight points after the first quarter, then pushed its lead to 14 at halftime. Thanks to a 20-9 third quarter, UNC created plentiful breathing room the Leathernecks never overcame.
The Tar Heels looked every part of an NCAA Tournament team. They now advance to Sunday's second round, when old ACC school Maryland awaits in the Second Round.
The Terrapins (24-8, 11-7 Big 10) made quick work of Murray State earlier Friday, winning 99-67 and scoring 22 points in every quarter. Whereas North Carolina had an easier path to the Sweet 16 a season ago, 2026 will be a much tougher task.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC women's basketball team beats WIU in NCAA Tournament opener, 82-51
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In their NCAA Tournament opener on Friday night, the Tar Heels used that strong defense once again. North Carolina held Western Illinois to 30 percent shooting overall and 13% from deep, winning 82-51 and proving itself capable of a deep run.
UNC's (27-7, 14-4 ACC) greatest incoming challenge was Leathernecks (26-6, 16-4 OHC) forward Mia Nicastro, who averages 24 points per game. Nicastro thrived again, scoring 21 points and grabbing nine rebounds, but no one else on WIU scored in double-figures.
The Tar Heels enjoyed a solid shooting night in Carmichael Arena, with 43% doing the trick. Forward Nyla Harris thrived in one of her best games, recording a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double. Lanie Grant added 15 points, Nyla Brooks contributed 14 points off the bench, while Indya Nivar provided 11 points in the starting lineup.
North Carolina only led by eight points after the first quarter, then pushed its lead to 14 at halftime. Thanks to a 20-9 third quarter, UNC created plentiful breathing room the Leathernecks never overcame.
The Tar Heels looked every part of an NCAA Tournament team. They now advance to Sunday's second round, when old ACC school Maryland awaits in the Second Round.
The Terrapins (24-8, 11-7 Big 10) made quick work of Murray State earlier Friday, winning 99-67 and scoring 22 points in every quarter. Whereas North Carolina had an easier path to the Sweet 16 a season ago, 2026 will be a much tougher task.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC women's basketball team beats WIU in NCAA Tournament opener, 82-51
Continue reading...
