CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Nyla Brooks scored 17 points and No. 23 North Carolina set a program record with 18 3-pointers in a 109-40 victory over North Carolina Central on Wednesday night for the Tar Heels’ first win of the season.

North Carolina shot 56% from the field and made 18 of 39 attempts from 3-point range, surpassing the previous record of 16 against Virginia on Feb. 26, 2026. Brooks was 5 of 10 and seven other UNC players hit a shot from distance — including all five starters.

North Carolina (1-2) opened the season with a 91-79 loss to No. 21 Oklahoma and an 84-39 loss to No. 1 South Carolina before breaking through against the Eagles.

The Tar Heels put the game away early, leading 30-11 after the first quarter and 54-15 at halftime. The Tar Heels extended the advantage to 85-31 after three quarters.

Kate Harpring added 16 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Achol Akot finished with 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds for UNC. Blanca Thomas scored 12 points and snagged seven rebounds. The Tar Heels recorded 30 assists on 40 made baskets and committed just five turnovers.

UNC also forced 20 North Carolina Central turnovers, finishing with 13 steals.

Shrouq Amer led North Carolina Central (2-2) with 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting.

North Carolina had 11 players score and outrebounded the Eagles 45-21.

Up next

North Carolina: At Penn this Saturday.

NC Central: At George Mason on Saturday.

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