No. 25 North Carolina Ends Raleigh Drought With Gritty 61 to 59 Win Over NC State

RALEIGH, N.C. — In a tightly contested ACC rivalry game at Reynolds Coliseum, No. 25 North Carolina showed late game resolve to secure a 61 to 59 victory over NC State on Monday night, delivering a breaking update that reshaped the series timeline.

North Carolina entered the matchup seeking its first road win in the rivalry since the 2018 to 19 season and left with a result carrying immediate conference impact. The Tar Heels improved to 18 and 5 overall and 7 and 3 in ACC play, extending their winning streak to five games while snapping a five game road skid against the Wolfpack.

The game turned in the third quarter, where Lanie Grant provided the spark. Grant scored 10 of her 18 points in the period, lifting North Carolina out of a halftime deficit with decisive drives and efficient shot making. NC State, which led 34 to 30 at halftime, struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 3 of 17 from the field in the quarter as the Tar Heels seized control.

Indya Nivar delivered one of her most complete performances of the season, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Her driving layup early in the fourth quarter gave North Carolina its first double digit lead at 52 to 42, a pivotal moment in the latest timeline of the contest.

NC State made one final push late, closing the margin behind defensive pressure and second chance points. Tilda Trygger scored with 12.6 seconds remaining to pull the Wolfpack within 61 to 59. After forcing a jump ball to regain possession, NC State missed a potential go ahead three pointer. Nivar secured the rebound, was fouled, missed both free throws, then outworked three defenders to reclaim the ball and seal the outcome.

Khamil Pierre led NC State with 14 points and 15 rebounds, continuing her consistent interior play. Trygger added 11 points and Qadence Samuels scored 10. Despite building a 31 to 22 advantage late in the second quarter, the Wolfpack managed only one additional field goal before halftime, a stretch that proved decisive in the overall impact analysis.

From a conference outlook, the win reinforces North Carolina’s upward momentum under head coach Courtney Banghart, particularly in road environments that have previously challenged the program.

For NC State, coached by Wes Moore, the result tightens the ACC race and highlights the need for steadier offensive execution during extended droughts.

What happens next is immediate. North Carolina returns home Thursday to host Clemson. NC State remains in Raleigh to host Florida State on Thursday.