Top-11 Women’s Basketball Team Faces No. 2 Texas in ACC/SEC Challenge
In an exciting clash of ranked teams, the No. 11 North Carolina Women’s Basketball team is set to face the No. 2 Texas Longhorns. This matchup is part of the 2025 ACC/SEC Challenge and will take place on Thursday in Austin, Texas. The game is notable not only because it is the first road game in the challenge for North Carolina but also because it marks the second meeting between the two teams, with their last encounter dating back to 1981.
Game Overview
The highly anticipated game will tip off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. Both teams are in strong form, with Carolina holding an 8-1 record and Texas remaining undefeated at 8-0.
North Carolina Tar Heels
- Head Coach: Courtney Banghart (Dartmouth, 2000)
- Current Record: 8-1
- Conference Record: 0-0 ACC
- Last Game: Defeated Columbia (80-63).
Texas Longhorns
- Head Coach: Vic Shaefer (Texas A&M, 1984)
- Current Record: 8-0
- Conference Record: 0-0 SEC
- Last Game: Defeated both No. 3 UCLA and No. 2 South Carolina.
Series History
The two teams have only met once before, with North Carolina defeating Texas 75-73 in their last encounter held in Chapel Hill.
Recent Performances
North Carolina is eager to build on its recent success, having won championships at the 2025 Cancun Challenge. Key player Indya Nivar was named the tournament MVP, contributing significantly with her all-around performance.
Player Highlights
- Indya Nivar: Averaging 12.1 points, she has been consistent this season and leads the team in both scoring and steals.
- Lanie Grant: Notable for her scoring ability, she matched her career-high with 19 points against Columbia.
- Ciera Toomey: Another key contributor, Toomey has recently been strong in the paint, averaging over 18 points per game.
Looking Ahead
This showdown not only presents a stern test for the Tar Heels but also offers a chance to secure a crucial quad-one victory. A win over a top-ranked opponent like Texas would mark a significant milestone in the season.
As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated matchup, the Tar Heels aim to continue their tradition of success against ranked teams and make a statement in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
