UNC Women's Basketball Faces Maryland in NCAA Tournament Rematch

Tar Heels look to advance to Sweet 16 after defeating Western Illinois in first round

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The No. 15-ranked North Carolina women's basketball team will take on No. 5 seed Maryland in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels, led by Lanie Grant and Elina Aarnisalo, are looking to avenge a regular season loss to the Terrapins and advance to the Sweet 16. UNC coach Courtney Banghart discussed the team's growth, Aarnisalo's increased aggression, and the challenges Maryland's Oluchi Okananwa will present.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams with strong tournament experience, as UNC is making its 29th NCAA Tournament appearance and Maryland is in the field for the 28th time. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16, a significant milestone in the NCAA Tournament. Both teams have faced adversity this season and shown resilience, making this an intriguing clash of battle-tested squads.

The details

North Carolina defeated Western Illinois 82-51 in the first round, while Maryland routed Murray State 99-67. The Tar Heels are led by Lanie Grant, who has had to adjust to increased defensive attention, and Elina Aarnisalo, who has taken on a bigger role this season after playing in the Final Four with UCLA last year. Maryland counters with the relentless play of Oluchi Okananwa, who has been a key part of the Terrapins' success.

  • The game will tip off at noon ET on Sunday, March 26th.
  • North Carolina and Maryland previously met in the regular season, with the Terrapins winning 72-64 on January 5th.

The players

Lanie Grant

A key scorer for North Carolina who has had to adapt to increased defensive focus from opponents this season.

Elina Aarnisalo

The UNC guard has taken on a larger role this year after playing in the Final Four with UCLA last season.

Oluchi Okananwa

The Maryland guard is known for her relentless motor and ability to impact the game through hustle plays.

Courtney Banghart

The North Carolina head coach has emphasized the importance of her team's togetherness and resilience this season.

Brenda Frese

The Maryland head coach is making a return to North Carolina, having previously coached at Duke.

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What they’re saying

“We must continually possession by possession win one possession at a time, and so do they.”

— Courtney Banghart, North Carolina Head Coach

“Relentlessness travels across school lines apparently. Yeah, we have great respect for her. Easy to root for her. We have a kid just like her on our roster, and we know just how much that brings to your team.”

— Courtney Banghart, North Carolina Head Coach

“Obviously being at the Final Four taught a lot to our whole team at UCLA last year and individually. What I've talked with our team, just being together, enjoying every single moment, being present, and just locking in.”

— Elina Aarnisalo, North Carolina Guard

What’s next

The winner of the North Carolina-Maryland game will advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face the winner of the UConn-Iowa State/Syracuse matchup.

The takeaway

This second-round clash between North Carolina and Maryland features two teams with deep tournament experience and a desire to advance. The Tar Heels' ability to adjust to Lanie Grant's increased defensive attention and Elina Aarnisalo's continued growth will be key, while Maryland will look to lean on the relentless play of Oluchi Okananwa. Whichever team can impose its style of play and capitalize on the other's weaknesses will earn a spot in the Sweet 16.