'It's us': How two words turned North Carolina's season around
CBS Sports
by
Lindsay Gibbs
March 1, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
North Carolina's women's basketball team turned their season around with a resounding "It's us" mentality, which became the driving force behind their remarkable turnaround. The No. 21 Tar Heels upset the No. 12 Duke Blue Devils in a high-stakes rivalry game, winning 74-69 and avenging a previous loss. This victory not only boosted their chances of hosting in the NCAA tournament but also marked their first win against an AP top-25 team this season. The Tar Heels' resilience shone through during two key moments of adversity: a slow start in the first quarter and Duke's brief lead late in the fourth quarter. Head coach Courtney Banghart credited the team's unity and determination, inspired by senior Indya Nivar's pre-game speech, as the catalyst for their success.
The Tar Heels' journey to this point was far from smooth. Earlier in the season, they struggled in critical moments, including missed free throws in high-stakes situations against Louisville and Stanford, leading to overtime losses. A humiliating 73-50 defeat at Notre Dame further highlighted their issues. However, the team refused to let these setbacks define them. Captains like Lanie Grant and Nyla Harris led a collective effort to regroup, using the motto "It's us" as a rallying cry to emphasize their shared responsibility and determination to succeed.
The turning point came after the Notre Dame loss, when the Tar Heels decided to come together as a unit rather than dwindle in defeat. This shift in mindset paid off, as they went on to win 12 of their next 13 games. Their improved performance earned them the No. 3 seed in the ACC tournament, giving them a bye into the quarterfinals and a strong chance at securing a top-16 spot in the NCAA tournament. Banghart also reflected on her coaching approach, recognizing that her tough style may have initially hindered their growth but ultimately fostering the resilience needed for their late-season surge.
For sports fans, this story is a testament to the power of unity, leadership, and perseverance in overcoming adversity. The Tar He
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/1/2026