UNC improved to 22-6 overall and 11-4 in the ACC, while the Cavaliers fell to 15-11 and 8-7.
Junior Coretta Brown led the Tar Heels with 22 points, while senior Nikki Teasley added 15 points and made 10 of 12 shots from the free-throw line. Jennifer Thomas had a season-high 13 points for North Carolina.
In the first half, Virginia held the lead until the 10:50 mark. UNC then went on a 17-2 run to go up by 15 points with 6:59 to go in the half.
The Tar Heels held a 12-point advantage (33-21) at the break.
In the second half, the Cavaliers twice clawed back to within six points but couldn't get over the hump.
"We don't match up on the perimeter with them," said UVa. coach Debbie Ryan.
Freshman Brandi Teamer paced the Cavs with 15 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Anna Crosswhite scored 13 points, and Telisha Quarles added 11.
In the win, UNC set the school record for 3-pointers in a season with 192.
The Tar Heels now look ahead to their game with No. 5 Duke on Sunday at Carmichael Auditorium. The matchup, which will be Teasley's last regular-season home game, begins at 4 p.m.
