UNC women's basketball reaches NCAA Sweet 16

Tar Heels defeat Maryland in physical tournament matchup

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The University of North Carolina women's basketball team has advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 after defeating the Maryland Terrapins in a hard-fought game played in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels were able to quickly retool their roster and return to the Sweet 16 despite the physical nature of the contest against their ACC rival.

Why it matters

UNC's return to the Sweet 16 comes after the team had to rebuild much of its roster from the previous season. The gritty win over Maryland demonstrates the Tar Heels' resilience and ability to compete at a high level in the NCAA Tournament despite personnel changes.

The details

The game between UNC and Maryland was a physical affair, with both teams playing aggressive defense and battling for every possession. The Tar Heels were able to pull away late and secure the victory, setting up a matchup in the Sweet 16 against another tough opponent.

  • The game was played on March 22, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The players

University of North Carolina women's basketball team

The UNC women's basketball team is a perennial powerhouse in the ACC and NCAA Tournament, having won multiple national championships over the years.

Maryland Terrapins

The Maryland Terrapins are a Division I women's basketball team that competes in the Big Ten Conference. They are a regular participant in the NCAA Tournament.

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What’s next

The Tar Heels will now face a tough opponent in the Sweet 16 as they continue their quest for a national championship.

The takeaway

UNC's ability to quickly rebuild and return to the Sweet 16 demonstrates the program's sustained excellence and the team's resilience in the face of roster turnover.