Grant’s Third-Quarter Surge Lifts No. 25 North Carolina Past N.C. State, 61–59.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Lanie Grant poured in 10 of her 18 points during the third quarter as No. 25 North Carolina edged N.C. State 61–59 on Monday night, snapping a long road skid in the rivalry. Indya Nivar played a pivotal role late, rebounding her own missed free throw in the final seconds to seal the Tar Heels’ victory. The win marked North Carolina’s first triumph in Raleigh since the 2018–19 season and extended the team’s current winning streak to five games. North Carolina (18–5, 7–3 ACC) took control early in the fourth quarter when Nivar scored on a driving layup to give the Tar Heels their first double-digit lead at 52–42. Despite a late push from the Wolfpack, UNC managed to hold on in the closing moments. Tilda Trygger cut the deficit to two with a layup with 12.6 seconds remaining, and N.C. State forced a jump ball to regain possession. However, the Wolfpack missed a potential go-ahead three-pointer. Nivar grabbed the defensive rebound and was fouled but missed both free throws. She then outworked three defenders to recover the rebound and run out the clock.

Nivar finished the game with 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Nyla Harris added 10 points and nine rebounds for the Tar Heels. For N.C. State (15–7, 8–3 ACC), Khamil Pierre led the way with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Trygger scored 11 points, and Qadence Samuels contributed 10. The Wolfpack led 34–30 at halftime but struggled offensively in the third quarter, shooting just 3 of 17 from the field. North Carolina returns home to face Clemson on Thursday, while N.C. State will host Florida State.