UNC seeks fresh start vs. Pitt

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by Sharon Thorsland

North Carolina is back from a bye to start the second half of the ACC season. Things didn’t go so well in the first half of conference play, which saw the Tar Heels close things out with four losses in the last five games, including a beat down by arch rival Duke. Next up the Tar Heels (13-10, 6-5 ACC) return home to take on Pitt (14-8, 5-6) for the second time in less than two weeks. Tip-off is set for 4:00 Saturday on WBT.

Pitt won the first game against UNC but followed that up with a pair of losses, most recently to an ugly 16 point loss to Virginia. They’re continuing to turn the ball over too much, and only managed 57 points against the Wahoos. But they’ve still plenty of scoring threats, starting with sophomore guard Jaland Lowe who’s averaging 17.7 points per game. Rebounding continues to be an issue, the Panthers have lost the rebounding battle in all of their losses this season.

The Tar Heels are having plenty of their own issues, but finishing games ranks way up at the top of the list. That was on display in the loss to Pitt, when they led by 10 in the second half but managed just four points in the game’s final eight minutes. Earlier this week coach Hubert Davis vowed to change this up, starting with adding a general manager. Let’s hope he has infused some fight into his players, as UNC desperately needs a win to start the second half of conference play off on the right foot. I think they get it done – go Tar Heels!