LAS VEGAS – The non-conference slate for North Carolina Women’s Basketball is beginning to take shape, with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announcing its inaugural WBCA Challenge with the Tar Heels set to take on UCLA and Fairfield in Las Vegas.
Facing off against the Bruins and the Stags from T-Mobile arena on Nov. 13 and 15, the Tar Heels prepare for early season tests in two defending conference champions.
First up, UCLA awaits as Carolina meets the 2025 Final Four squad and Big Ten Champions for the first time since 2018 and for the 11th meeting overall. Carolina owns the all-time series lead at 6-4 and has claimed the last three games against the Bruins, dating back to 2013. The two last met at the 2018 Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands where Carolina went on to win 83-49.
Carolina challenges Fairfield for the first meeting between the two schools, with the Tar Heels going head-to-head with one of the nation’s strongest mid-major programs. The Stags are the defending back-to-back MAAC Champions and boast two straight NCAA Tournament appearances. In the last two seasons, Fairfield has compiled a record of 59-7 overall.
Returning a solid core from last season’s Sweet 16 squad, including two starters in Reniya Kelly and Indya Nivar, Carolina looks to build off its best season in the Courtney Banghart era with 29 wins. The Tar Heels brought in additional depth with Elina Aarnisalo from UCLA and Nyla Harris from Louisville, along with incoming freshmen in McDonald’s All-American Nyla Brooks and five-star recruit Taliyah Henderson.
Both games will be held at the home of the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena, with tip times and television designations to be released at a later date.
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