CANCUN, MEXICO – The 2025 Cancun Challenge concluded with a solid performance from the No. 12 ranked North Carolina women’s basketball team, who overcame Columbia’s pesky defense for an 80-63 victory. This win marks Carolina’s second consecutive multi-team event championship and their fifth title since the initiation of head coach Courtney Banghart’s tenure.
North Carolina (8-1) faced off against Columbia (4-4), the three-time reigning Ivy League champions, and maintained their undefeated status at this year’s Cancun Challenge. Under Banghart’s leadership, the team has now recorded five straight victories in Mexico since 2019.
Lanie Grant stood out once again, matching her career-high with 19 points for the second game in a row. The Tar Heels dominated in the paint, outscoring Columbia 50 to 24. Ciera Toomey contributed significantly to this effort, finishing with 18 points on an impressive 8-of-9 shooting. Elina Aarnisalo also had a notable performance, scoring a season-high 15 points, including key baskets in the second half that helped secure the win.
Indya Nivar continued to impress on both ends of the court, achieving a well-rounded performance with 11 points, six rebounds, six assists, and six steals. Nyla Harris concluded her participation in the Cancun Challenge with an efficient outing, scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds.
Nivar’s exceptional play throughout the tournament earned her the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, while Grant earned a spot on the All-Tournament team, recognizing her consistent contributions.
The first quarter was tightly contested, with both teams experiencing a scoring drought. Carolina managed to take a slight lead of 12-9, thanks to Grant’s early five points. In the second quarter, Aarnisalo’s precise assist to Laila Hull for a three-pointer energized the team as they sought to extend their advantage. Columbia responded with an offensive flurry of their own, leading to a 24-24 tie. However, Toomey spearheaded a 5-0 run, allowing Carolina to head into halftime with a modest 35-31 lead.
After the break, the Tar Heels quickly scored six consecutive points, stretching their lead to seven. Both teams exchanged baskets, but Carolina capitalized on their strong inside presence, which allowed them to keep a narrow lead. By the end of the third quarter, Carolina had built a 57-49 edge, scoring on five of their last six attempts.
Entering the final period with an 11-point lead, Carolina intensified their defense against Columbia. Grant extended her scoring performance midway through the fourth quarter, and the team quickly went on a 9-0 run to increase their advantage to 19 points. The Tar Heels closed out the game effectively, shooting 56.3% in the final quarter to secure the win.
Looking ahead, North Carolina will face its first road challenge of the season in the ACC/SEC Challenge, battling a top-five Texas team on Thursday, December 4. This matchup will mark the first clash between the Tar Heels and Longhorns since 1981, set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET and broadcasted nationally on ESPN2.
