CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — The North Carolina Tar Heels opened their 2025-26 women’s basketball season with a commanding 90-42 victory over the visiting North Carolina Central Eagles on Monday afternoon at a half-full Dean Smith Center.

A crowd of 6,336 watched as the Tar Heels seized control early, using a stifling defense and efficient offense to build a 53-23 halftime lead and never looked back. The Eagles struggled to find any offensive rhythm throughout the contest.

North Carolina’s dominance was evident across the stat sheet. The Tar Heels shot 52.9 percent from the floor, making 36 of 68 attempts, while holding the Eagles to a frigid 26.3 percent on 15-of-57 shooting. The defensive pressure from the home team forced 18 turnovers, which they converted into easy transition opportunities.

The Tar Heels showcased a balanced scoring attack with five players finishing in double figures. Ciera Toomey, a 6-foot-4 sophomore from Dunmore, Pennsylvania, led the way with 13 points, four blocks and two assists in 25 minutes of action. Nyla Brooks, a 6-1 freshman from Waldorf, Maryland, added 15 points, while teammates Indya Nivar, Nyla Harris and Elina Aarnisalo each chipped in 13 points.

North Carolina’s depth was on full display as contributions came from across the roster. Jordan Zubich scored eight points, and Liza Astakhova provided a late spark with six points in just eight minutes.

For North Carolina Central, Aysia Hinton of Durham led the Eagles with nine points. The team was plagued by poor shooting, connecting on just 7 of 16 free throw attempts and committing 18 turnovers against only five assists.

The Tar Heels established their authority in the paint, outrebounding the Eagles 44-28 and blocking six shots. Their offensive execution resulted in an efficient 105.9 rating on 85 possessions, while the Eagles managed a rating of just 53.4 on 79 possessions.

With the win, North Carolina begins its season 1-0 and will next host Elon on Thursday. North Carolina Central starts 0-1 and will look to rebound at home against UNC Wilmington on Friday.