UNC Basketball lost a disappointing grind-out game versus Pittsburgh at the Smith Center on Wednesday night. These are my random observations.
RJ Davis’s injured finger is affecting his shooting. Even from the free-throw line. He’s battling but that shot is just not where it usually is.
Caleb Love looked like he might be back at the beginning of the game, missed several shots in the middle, then hit some key baskets at the end. Now they just need him to do it for a complete game.
On multiple occasions, Pitt players were in the paint and pump faking. On one possession, Armando Bacot kept his feet over and over again. Exceptional defense. The second one was Love. Both times Pitt turned it over.
Bacot is getting double and triple-teamed on most every feed to the post. Teams are making it difficult to get entry passes and then if they do, they are collapsing. Someone has to come to the ball and start knocking down shots. Tyler Nickel seems like he could be a good option.
Speaking of Nickel, we have reached this point in the ACC schedule and there is still no defined rotation or roles for the bench. At least not that I understand. Jalen Washington played a few minutes in the first half and didn’t see the floor again. Same with Nickel. Dontrez Styles randomly came in with Leaky Black in foul trouble. It just doesn’t make sense.
A year ago we were all saying the same things we’re probably saying tonight. Congratulations to Pitt but this team is too good to be in this position again.
They better get it figured out starting on Saturday because the schedule doesn’t get easier. There will be plenty of opportunities to polish up that tournament resume. They have to get this turned around before the tournament.
Beat Duke.
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