Instant observations: No. 10 NC State falls at No. 12 UNC after second-half comeback

CHAPEL HILL — Each time Saniya Rivers got back on defense in transition at North Carolina, the possession usually ended in the same result: a block. While NC State's senior guard was able to alter shots with her wingspan, her fourth block might have been the most crucial. Rivers stopped Tar Heels star Lexi Donarski in transition, which allowed sophomore guard Zoe Brooks to take off down the court. Rivers connected with the Pack's point guard to help aid NC State on a 13-3 run late in the fourth quarter. That spurt helped the Wolfpack climb back from a 7-point deficit to retake the lead, but it wasn't enough as the Tar Heels held on for a 66-65 win on Sunday afternoon at Carmichael Arena. The result snapped the Wolfpack's nine-game losing streak and was just its second loss in the last 18 games. Senior guard Aziaha James led the Pack with 16 points, while Rivers added 14 points and 12 rebounds. Senior wing Madison Hayes chipped in with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Here are three observations from NC State's first loss since Jan. 9.