University of North Carolina Athletics
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No. 11 WBB Rolls To Opening Day Win Over NC Central
November 3, 2025 | Women's Basketball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Opening the 2025-26 season off with a bang in front of 6,336 kids, No. 11 North Carolina Women's basketball came out on fire in a 90-42 win over NC Central from Carmichael Arena on Monday afternoon. The Tar Heels have now won their last eight straight opening games and all seven under head coach Courtney Banghart.
As 10 Tar Heels made their way to the basket, Elina Aarnisalo, Nyla Brooks and Nyla Harris made the most of their Carolina debuts. Brooks led all scorers with 15 points, while four other Tar Heels joined her in double-figures. Aarnisalo, Ciera Toomey and Indya Nivar each had 13, while Harris posted 12 points.
Toomey recorded her first career double-double off of a career-high 13 points and career-best 11 rebounds. Harris also joined in on the double-double fun with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
As a squad, Carolina lit it up from the floor by shooting 52.9%, marking its best field goal percentage since January of last season. Five Tar Heels combined for eight triples, with Brooks leading the way with three.
Coming out of the gates rearing to go, Carolina took off on an 16-1 run to get the crowd roaring. As the Tar Heels began to get into an offensive groove, Aarnisalo remained perfect from the field for UNC to go ahead 23-9 through one.
Taking off on another strong scoring run, Carolina remained in control of the tempo as the Tar Heels shared the ball at an efficient pace with nine scoring in the first half. Shooting at a blistering 61% clip, Carolina took off to lead by 32 at the break at 53-21.
With its defense on lock, Carolina continued to light it up from the floor as Brooks took command for the Tar Heels. As Toomey pounded the ball in the paint, the redshirt-sophomore eclipsed her career-high in scoring in the third. Tag teaming with Toomey, Harris tallied her first double-double in Carolina Blue as UNC remained in control over the Eagles.
Holding NC Central scoreless for multiple stretches during the fourth quarter, Carolina kept its foot on the gas to cruise to a 90-42 victory and open the season on a high note.
The Tar Heels are back in action Thursday night, hosting Elon from Carmichael Arena at 7 p.m. ET. Action against the Phoenix can be caught on ACC Network Extra.
