No. 21 North Carolina women rout SMU 94-42 for 8th straight win

Tar Heels coach Courtney Banghart secures 400th career victory

Feb. 13, 2026 at 12:39am

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The No. 21 North Carolina Tar Heels women's basketball team routed the SMU Mustangs 94-42 on Thursday night, securing their eighth straight victory. Lanie Grant scored 15 points and Indya Nivar added 14 for the Tar Heels, who jumped out to a 28-9 lead by the end of the first quarter. North Carolina head coach Courtney Banghart also secured her 400th career win, becoming one of 48 active coaches in Division I women's basketball to reach that milestone.

Why it matters

The dominant win extends North Carolina's winning streak to eight games and keeps them in contention for a high seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Banghart's 400th career victory is a significant milestone that cements her status as one of the top coaches in the women's game.

The details

North Carolina made 6 of 8 3-pointers in the first quarter to build a big early lead, with five different players hitting from beyond the arc. The Tar Heels then went on a 14-0 run early in the second quarter to extend their advantage to 31 points by halftime. North Carolina's lead never dropped below 31 points in the second half as they cruised to the lopsided victory.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • North Carolina jumped out to a 28-9 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The players

Lanie Grant

Scored 15 points for North Carolina.

Indya Nivar

Scored 14 points for North Carolina.

Courtney Banghart

Head coach of the North Carolina women's basketball team who secured her 400th career victory.

Zahra King

Led SMU with 15 points on 5-of-17 shooting.

Laila Hull

Made 2 of North Carolina's 9 first-half 3-pointers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.