CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a dominating performance, Lexi Donarski contributed 17 points, including five 3-pointers, leading No. 13 North Carolina to its fifth consecutive victory with a 76-51 win over Wake Forest on Thursday night.

Under the guidance of coach Courtney Banghart, North Carolina has achieved its best start, boasting an 18-3 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the ACC, the finest since the 2012-13 season when the team began 23-3.

The game commenced with North Carolina establishing a significant advantage, quickly jumping ahead with a 22-6 lead in the first quarter, primarily fueled by a 20-1 scoring run. Nevertheless, Wake Forest responded strongly in the second quarter, as Alyssa Andrews and Raegyn Conley hit three consecutive 3-pointers, culminating in a 15-2 run that narrowed the gap to just three points at 24-21.

Donarski’s fifth 3-pointer, which came with just over five minutes left in the third quarter, helped solidify North Carolina’s lead at 46-35, a margin that they maintained for the rest of the game. Wake Forest managed to cut the lead to 10 points early in the fourth quarter, but Grace Townsend answered with a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 55-42.

This marked the third successive game in which Donarski has scored five or more 3-pointers. For North Carolina, Townsend was also pivotal in the game, scoring 13 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting. Lanie Grant added another 10 points as the team continued its strong showing against Wake Forest.

Capitalizing on Wake Forest’s struggles, North Carolina was able to convert 26 points off 24 turnovers committed by their opponents. Rylie Theuerkauf emerged as the leading scorer for Wake Forest with 19 points, while Malaya Cowles added 10 points.

Looking ahead, Wake Forest will return to their home court to face Boston College on Sunday, while North Carolina is preparing to host Florida State, where they will contend with NCAA scoring leader Ta’Niya Latson.