Elina Aarnisalo added 13 points and five assists for the Tar Heels (22-6, 12-4), who bounced back from a loss to Duke. Lanie Grant made two clutch free throws in overtime to seal the victory, as both teams struggled with shooting, UNC managing 37% from the floor and Virginia Tech shooting 34%.
The game featured 11 lead changes and five ties, with neither team leading by more than nine points. For Virginia Tech (20-8, 10-6), Carys Baker and Samyha Suffren each tallied 15 points. Both teams resume play on Sunday, with North Carolina hosting Pitt and Virginia Tech welcoming Georgia Tech.