UNC Basketball closes out 2022 with road ACC contest at Pittsburgh
Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program will close out the calendar year as they’ll travel to Pittsburgh to continue ACC play.
The UNC basketball is back after the holiday break, as they’ll return to the court on Friday afternoon against Pittsburgh.
9-4. 9-4. 441. Friday, December 30. 444. . 12 PM EST. ACCN
Before the break, Hubert Davis’ team got back on track, winning each of their last four contests. This win streak came after a brutal four-game losing streak that features losses either on the road or in neutral site games.
The Panthers come in on a streak of their own, having one each of their last three games. Their most recent victory came at Syracuse on December 20, as the Panthers held on for the 84-82 win.
Last season, the Panthers embarrassed the Tar Heels at the Dean Smith Center. Can North Carolina get some revenge in this one?
Key to Victory for North Carolina
Play through the post.
When the UNC basketball program has fed the post, especially star big man Armando Bacot, the team has been much more successful. Over the team’s current winning streak, they’ve been much more focused on getting the basketball inside.
In that same time span, Bacot has dominated, averaging over 22 points and 11 boards over the last four games.
Pittsburgh has some size to match up with Bacot, but the Tar Heels should not shy away from their obvious strength.
The formula is there: good things happen when North Carolina feeds the ball to Armando Bacot.
Something to Watch For
Will we see D’Marco Dunn return?
After injuring his hand a few weeks back, Dunn has returned to practice. However, as of Wednesday, Dunn was not a full participant, but that could change over the next few days.
Based on how Thursday’s practice goes, is it possible that the sophomore guard will make his return? If so, it will be interesting to see how much Hubert Davis utilizes him (as well as what other rotational players are impacted by his return).
Last Meeting
On February 16, 2022, Pittsburgh came into Chapel Hill and simply dominated the Tar Heels through the first half of play.
The Panthers rode a 17-point lead into the half and didn’t look back, as they took home a 76-67 victory.
All five Panthers starters scored in double-figures, including Ithiel Horton who had a team-high 19 points. Caleb Love led the way for North Carolina with 18 points, while the likes of Leaky Black, Brady Manek, and Kerwin Walton all scored in double-figures.
Impacted by foul trouble, Bacot was limited to just 26 minutes. He recorded seven points and eight rebounds.
Projected Starters
No. 4 R.J. Davis (Jr., 6-0, 175) – 15.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.7 apg
No. 2 Caleb Love (Jr., 6-4, 200) – 18.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.7 apg
No. 1 Leaky Black (Gr., 6-9 205) – 6.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.3 apg
No. 32 Pete Nance (Gr. 6-11, 230) – 11.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.8 apg
No. 5 Armando Bacot (Sr., 6-11, 235) – 18.2 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg
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