CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Interstat) — North Carolina built a commanding early lead and withstood a second-half push to defeat Virginia 82-70 in Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball Thursday night at John Paul Jones Arena.

The Tar Heels led 40-23 at halftime after holding the Cavaliers to eight first-quarter points. Virginia outscored North Carolina 47-42 after the break but could not overcome the deficit.

Elina Aarnisalo led North Carolina with 20 points. Kymora Johnson scored a game-high 22 points for Virginia. Lanie Grant added 15 points for the Tar Heels.

North Carolina improved to 24-6. Virginia fell to 19-9. An announced crowd of 4,669 attended.