Despite leading by only nine points at halftime, Carolina pulled away from Elon in the second half to earn a 71-37 win at Carmichael Arena Thursday night.

The Tar Heels had shot just 10-33 (30.3 percent) in a low-scoring first half, one which ended with UNC leading the Phoenix 29-20. Carolina’s defense was its saving grace, holding Elon to just eight made field goals and forcing 13 turnovers which led to eight UNC points. The Phoenix scored only eight points in the second quarter.

Carolina hit the gas pedal after halftime, opening the third quarter on a 23-3 run to blow the game open and lead 52-23 in the quarter’s final minute. Elon wouldn’t get the deficit back under 20 points for the rest of the way, with the UNC defense holding the Phoenix to just 17 total points in the half. Carolina’s shooting, meanwhile, warmed up to an 18-38 (47.4 percent) performance after halftime.

Indya Nivar led the way with 13 points and was one of five Tar Heels to reach double figures. Sophomore guard Lanie Grant, who missed UNC’s opening game with an injury sustained in practice, made her 2025-26 debut and scored 11 points. Nyla Harris, Nyla Brooks and Taliyah Henderson each added 10.

With the win, UNC improves to 2-0 on the young season. The Tar Heels have won their two games by an average of 41 points. Up next, Carolina will travel west for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Challenge, a two-game event in Las Vegas this weekend. First up for the Tar Heels is a meeting with No. 3 UCLA, which is scheduled for Thursday, November 13 at 9 p.m. Eastern time.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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