CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In an exciting Atlantic Coast Conference matchup on Sunday, the unbeaten 25th-ranked Georgia Tech women’s basketball team defeated No. 14 North Carolina, earning an 82-76 victory. Tonie Morgan was a standout for the Yellow Jackets, contributing 23 points, while freshman Dani Carnegie delivered a personal best of 22 points off the bench. This win marked the first time in school history that Georgia Tech started the season with 11 consecutive victories.

Morgan showcased impressive shooting, making 8 of her 11 attempts, including a 3-pointer, and converting all six of her free throw attempts. Carnegie was pivotal to the team’s success as well, sinking eight of her 19 shots, which included two from beyond the arc, and successfully hitting all four of her free throws. Kara Dunn added 13 points to the tally, and key contributions came from Kay Blackshear, who registered 12 points and six rebounds, as well as Zoesha Smith, who had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Maria Gakdeng led the Tar Heels with a season-high performance, scoring 21 points on 9-for-11 shooting. Reniya Kelly and Lexi Donarski complemented her scoring efforts with 15 points each, while Indya Nivar added another 16 points. Donarski began the game strong for North Carolina, scoring the first five points in a 7-0 run; however, Georgia Tech quickly regained control, shifting the momentum in their favor.

The momentum turned when Carnegie hit a decisive 3-pointer, putting Georgia Tech ahead 15-14 with 3:42 remaining in the first quarter, a lead they would maintain throughout the contest. In the second quarter, Dunn and Carnegie helped the team pull ahead significantly, transforming a narrow 26-17 lead after the first quarter into a commanding 50-34 lead by halftime.

The largest lead for Georgia Tech came at 66-43 following Blackshear’s layup with just 55 seconds left in the third quarter. While North Carolina fought back and managed to outscore Georgia Tech 31-16 in the final quarter, they couldn’t close the gap sufficiently to change the outcome.

Looking ahead, Georgia Tech is set to host Rice on Wednesday, while North Carolina will take on Florida in the Jumpman Invitational occurring in Charlotte, N.C.