UNC Basketball: Staff Picks vs Pittsburgh

The UNC basketball team will be looking for revenge against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the Smith Center on Wednesday night.

After a much-needed week of rest, the UNC basketball team is back in action as they kick off the second half of the ACC schedule against the Pitt Panthers on Wednesday night.  The Tar Heels blew a late lead against the Panthers at the end of December and will be looking to get redemption for that matchup on Wednesday night in the Smith Center.  Will Carolina be able to build on their current winning streak and move into third place in the ACC heading into the Duke game this weekend?  Find out what our staff thinks below!

Nick Delahanty

Typically, this would be the type of game that seems like a “trap game,” as the Tar Heels have a much-anticipated matchup with Duke upcoming on Saturday.

However, after the way the first battle between these two squads ended, I have a feeling that Hubert Davis’ team will come out looking for revenge.

Let’s face it: the Tar Heels struggled in the second half against Pittsburgh, as a 9-point lead got erased. Look for North Carolina to come in and play a complete game, especially coming off a week break.

I expect the Tar Heels, in front of their home court, to take care of business in this one.

Prediction: North Carolina 76, Pittsburgh 69

Mark DeMott

This has all the makings of what should be a physical and intense battle between two teams fighting to stay near the top of the ACC standings.

North Carolina controlled most of the first meeting, but let their lead slip away late, in large part due to Jamarius Burton’s 31 points.  Hubert Davis has spoken a lot recently about how his team needs to be able to win one on one matchups defensively, and this matchup will provide a test to see how far the Heels have come in that area.  The Panthers have multiple players that can create and make tough shots, so UNC will need to be locked in on defense in this one.

Offensively, it will be interesting to see how Carolina’s guards play.  Caleb Love was hot from deep against Syracuse, and if he can have an efficient game shooting the ball it could be a difference-maker.  UNC would also benefit greatly from a double-figure scoring night from either Pete Nance, Leaky Black, or someone off the bench.  If UNC is going to become a serious contender down the road, they will have to get more consistent offense from players not named Armando Bacot or RJ Davis.

I expect this to be a battle, but Carolina will make enough plays to get revenge for the loss at Pitt and defend home court.

Prediction: North Carolina 81, Pittsburgh 73

Aaron Conrad

This was just about the moment a year ago that changed the future of last year’s Tar Heels. While it doesn’t feel like this season has gone to plan, UNC has put together a pretty strong string of wins as of late.

One of their only two losses was a weird one to Pitt. This is a payback game and another chance to get back to where we believe they should be. They had Pitt on the ropes and let them back in the game.

I look for a better result in this one.

Prediction: North Carolina 84, Pittsburgh 78

Spencer Schultz

The Heels will seek revenge after giving the first meeting away to Pittsburgh. It’s important to not look ahead to the weekend at Duke.

The Panthers currently sit on the bubble and a sweep of the Heels would be a huge boost. After a mini break though, Hubert Davis should have his guys more than ready on Wednesday.

Prediction: North Carolina 80, Pittsburgh 73

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC basketball news, updates, and recruiting.