UNC Basketball: Tar Heels dominate Pitt in ACC opener

The Tar Heels open up 2019 conference play with a road victory in Cameron Johnson’s return to Pitt.

In what was his first appearance back at Pitt since the very public transfer, Cam Johnson looked as comfortable as always, knocking down a three on his very first shot of the game and scoring 11 of first 22 for the Tar Heels, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds for the game.

In what was a whistle happy start of the game, as there were seven fouls at the under 16 timeout, allowing for Pitt to get in the bonus in the first half at the 14-minute mark.

With 26 fouls in the first half, the pace was very choppy for both teams. Fortunately, it didn’t affect the Tar Heels.

The Heels went on a 33-11 run to end the half, holding Pitt without a field goal for over 10 minutes and just 20.7 percent from the field in the first half.

Setting the pace early, Coby White led the way with 22 points, 15 of which in the first half.

After missing four out of their first six threes, the Heels went 7-of-18 from deep in just the first half, finishing 10-of-24 for the game.

Though Pitt continued to fight, their effort didn’t reflect on the scoreboard as the lead remained anywhere from 25-30 almost the entire second half.

After a slow start for Luke May, he finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, as well as Garrison Brooks finishing with nine points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Brandon Robinson provided quality minutes off the bench, winning every hustle play on the court. He chipped in just five points but had three steals and one block.

For Pitt, they shot a season-low 30.6 percent, including going just 2-of-19 from deep.

With a lack of buckets falling, Pitt finished with just seven assists on 19 made field goals.

Trey McGowens led Pitt with 17 points, going 10-of-16 from the free throw line. Xavier Johnson added 14 points for the Panthers.

Player of the game

Coby White was back at it again. After a couple subpar performances to end non-conference play, White led all scorers with 22 points.

White scored in a variety of ways, whether it be in transition, off of rebounds or on threes, which he made four of.

Going up against fellow freshman guard Xavier Johnson for Pitt, there was no question who dominated that matchup. Johnson struggled to contain White and keep him in front all game long.

White also added four rebounds and three assists.

Stat of the game

WIth 43 total fouls called, Pitt made more free throws than they did field goals (20-19).

For the game, Pitt attempted 32 free throws while the Tar Heels attempted just 17, making 11 of them.

Though Pitt shouldn’t be very thankful for anything right now, they can at least be happy with the refs as without those amount of attempts, the Panthers offensive performance would have been even worse than it was.

What’s next?

The No. 15 ranked Tar Heels travel to no. 18 N.C. State on Tuesday looking to get another win in ACC play before coming back home to host Louisville and Notre Dame.