North Carolina vs Virginia Tech Overtime Result: No. 22 UNC Wins 66-63

No. 22 North Carolina Tar Heels women's basketball earned a pivotal Atlantic Coast Conference road victory Thursday night, defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies women's basketball 66-63 in overtime at Cassell Coliseum in a result that could influence conference tournament positioning.

The Tar Heels improved to 22-6 overall and 12-4 in ACC play, rebounding from their recent loss at Duke Blue Devils women's basketball. Virginia Tech dropped to 20-8 and 10-6 in conference competition as the ACC race tightens entering the final stretch of the regular season.

Nyla Harris led North Carolina with 15 points and 9 rebounds, providing interior production in a game defined by defensive pressure and limited shooting efficiency. Elina Aarnisalo added 13 points and 5 assists, while Lanie Grant delivered in the closing moments, converting 2 free throws with 25 seconds left in overtime to extend the lead to three.

North Carolina accounted for all 9 overtime points through Harris, Aarnisalo, and Grant, reflecting head coach Courtney Banghart’s reliance on her primary rotation in high leverage possessions. Virginia Tech had 3 three point attempts in the final 7 seconds but could not convert.

The contest featured 11 lead changes and 5 ties, with neither team building a margin larger than 9 points. Virginia Tech led 28-21 at halftime before North Carolina adjusted defensively in the second half to disrupt perimeter rhythm and improve rebounding positioning.

Offensive efficiency was limited on both sides. North Carolina shot 37 percent from the field, while Virginia Tech finished at 34 percent. The Hokies were held without consistent transition opportunities, and key defensive rebounds in overtime proved decisive.

Indya Nivar contributed 10 points and 4 steals for North Carolina, adding perimeter defense that shifted momentum in the third quarter. Nyla Brooks secured 8 rebounds to support Harris inside.

For Virginia Tech, Carys Baker and Samyha Suffren each scored 15 points. Kilah Freelon recorded 10 rebounds and 3 blocks, while Mackenzie Nelson added 4 assists.

From a conference impact standpoint, the win strengthens North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament resume and preserves its positioning among the ACC’s upper tier. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, faces increased pressure to close the regular season strongly to secure favorable seeding.

What this means moving forward is clear. North Carolina regains momentum and remains firmly in contention for improved postseason placement. Virginia Tech must stabilize offensively and protect home court down the stretch.

Next steps arrive Sunday when North Carolina hosts Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech welcomes Georgia Tech. With limited games remaining, results such as Thursday’s 66-63 overtime decision may carry lasting implications for the ACC standings and national tournament outlook.