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No. 11 WBB Comes Up Short Vs. No. 3 UCLA In First Game Of The WBCA Challenge
November 13, 2025 | Women's Basketball
LAS VEGAS – Taking on its first ranked opponent of the season, No. 11 North Carolina Women's Basketball couldn't withstand a third quarter surge from No. 3 UCLA, ultimately falling 78-60 on Thursday night from Michelob Ultra Arena. Carolina took on the Bruins in its first of two games of the inaugural WBCA Challenge in Las Vegas.
Despite North Carolina (2-1) testing UCLA (4-0) early, Carolina struggled to fight off a second half scoring swell from the Bruins and their presence in the paint.
Leading UNC, Elina Aarnisalo posted a team-best 13 points off of six made field goals. Joining Aarnisalo in double-figures were Indya Nivar and Ciera Toomey with 11 points each, as Toomey led Carolina off the boards with six rebounds. Playing a season-high 22 minutes, Reniya Kelly dished out a Tar Heel high four assists.
Carolina's defense proved it was ready to go, slowing down UCLA in the paint and limiting early scoring opportunities. Nivar halted an UCLA run by knocking down Carolina's first triple of the night, as Aarnisalo kept the Tar Heels running with eight points in the first frame. Taking off on a 10-0 run to end the quarter, Carolina led 17-12 through one.
UCLA opened the second frame punching back, regaining a narrow 22-19 lead. Withstanding the blows, Carolina rattled off a 9-0 run near the midway point of the second to take back its advantage over the Bruins. Slowing down on the offensive end, UCLA met Carolina at 28 all with 3:19 remaining in the half. Wrapping the half on back-to-back triples from Grant and the first of Thomas' career, Carolina went into the locker room trailing by one at 35-34.
Trading triples back-and-forth out of the break, UCLA hit a groove with nine straight made field goals as Carolina worked to play catch up. Going cold the final few minutes of the quarter, UNC faced a 12-point deficit at 58-46 heading into the fourth.
Carolina worked to wake itself from a shooting slump, yet couldn't make up enough ground in the final 10 minutes. Toomey and Lanie Grant added late threes' to close the gap, as the Tar Heels ultimately fell to UCLA, 78-60.
Wrapping up time in Sin City, Carolina returns to Michelob Ultra Arena on Saturday, Nov. 15 to face off against Fairfield. Tip against the Stags is slated for 6 p.m. ET, streaming on ESPN+.
