UNC Women’s Basketball looking to pick up sixth-straight win
By Drew Garrett
The No. 15-ranked UNC women’s basketball program looks to continue its hot stretch when they travel to Pittsburgh.
The North Carolina women’s basketball team continues to impress this season.
After a 70-57 victory over Georgia Tech, the Tar Heels moved up a spot in the ACC standings and improved their win streak to five.
This Thursday night, they hope to make it six.
UNC will travel to Pittsburgh, PA, to take on the Pitt Panthers.
Pitt, 7-12, has had a rough season. The Panthers have not won since December 21, 2022, and are still searching for their first ACC win.
Despite this, Pitt has been a difficult matchup for some, as they have almost upset many of the ACC’s best teams at home. This Thursday night, they hope to finally take down a top opponent in UNC.
If the Tar Heels want to continue their hot stretch, here is what they will need to do.
Key to Victory
Defense will be crucial in this one.
While Pitt has struggled all year, they have put up some impressive fights at home. In their most recent game, Pitt battled with No. 12 Virginia Tech, before ultimately falling short 69-6
The Panthers will try to get their buckets inside. As a team, they often shy away from three-pointers and deep twos.
It will take a full team effort to completely shut down this Pitt offense. If the Tar Heels can accomplish that, things will surely be in their favor Thursday.
North Carolina is the clear better team. They should be able to continue their hot stretch and win their sixth straight.
Something to Watch
After three straight strong performances in Carmichael Arena, the Tar Heels are back on the road. It will be interesting to see how this North Carolina squad looks, as they struggled at times in previous road games.
Most recently, UNC trailed Virginia heading into the fourth quarter at John Paul Jones Arena. If it wasn’t for a dominant fourth quarter, North Carolina would have lost their fifth-straight road game.
It is worth keeping an eye on how this team starts, and if they can close out this win. Although Pitt is struggling, a win on the road must be earned.
Last Meeting
In the last meeting between these two programs, North Carolina defeated Pitt 64-54.
The 19-4 Tar Heels were all business in this one. They jumped on the Panthers early and went into the half up 16 points.
Deja Kelly led the team in scoring with 17, and Alyssa Ustby posted an impressive 10 points and 12 rebounds.
However, Pitt leads the all-time series over UNC 6-5.
Projected Starting Lineup
F-Anya Poole
G-Kennedy Todd- Williams
F-Alyssa Ustby
G-Deja Kelly
G-Eva Hodgson