Short-Handed Tar Heels Hit 20-Win Mark Behind Breakout Performances
North Carolina didn’t just win on Saturday - they made a statement. Missing their two top scorers and rebounders, the Tar Heels showed off their depth and resilience in a dominant win over Pitt, pushing their record to 20-5 overall and 8-4 in ACC play. It marks the program’s 66th 20-win season and the fifth straight under head coach Hubert Davis - making him the only coach in UNC history to hit that milestone in each of his first five seasons.
And they did it without Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, who’ve been the engine of this team all year. Wilson suffered a broken bone in his left hand during the Miami game on February 10, while Veesaar has been sidelined with illness and a lower-body issue. That duo had accounted for nearly 45% of Carolina’s scoring and close to 47% of the rebounding coming into the game.
With them out, it was next-man-up - and the next men delivered.
Stevenson, Trimble Lead the Charge
Jarin Stevenson and Seth Trimble each poured in 19 points to lead the Tar Heels, stepping confidently into the scoring void. For Stevenson, it was his second straight game leading the team in scoring - a first in his UNC career - and his best offensive showing in a Carolina uniform.
His 19 points were a season high, and he matched his season best with three made threes. The freshman has now hit double figures six times this season and 19 times in his college career, including his time at Alabama.
Trimble, meanwhile, was aggressive from the jump and got to the line with ease. He knocked down a career-best nine free throws and looked every bit the steadying presence UNC needed with two key pieces missing. It was his first time leading Carolina in scoring since his 22-point outing at SMU back in early January.
Zayden High Steps Into the Spotlight
Perhaps the most eye-opening performance came from Zayden High, who made his first career start - and made it count. High had only played 32 total minutes over the last 12 games, but he matched that number in this one alone, putting up career highs across the board: 15 points, seven rebounds, seven field goals, and 32 minutes played.
He also tied his personal best with two assists. It was a breakout performance that couldn’t have come at a better time for Carolina.
Bogavac and Dixon Fill in the Gaps
Luka Bogavac added 15 points of his own - his most in an ACC home game - and posted a team-best +17 in the plus/minus column, his highest since a +30 showing against ECU in December. He was one of three Tar Heels in double figures by halftime, joining Stevenson and Trimble as the trio combined for 37 of UNC’s 46 first-half points.
Derek Dixon quietly had one of his most complete games of the season. He grabbed a season-high seven rebounds and dished out seven assists - tying the most by any Tar Heel this season. With the team needing a steady hand, Dixon delivered.
Efficiency and Control from Start to Finish
Carolina came out blazing, hitting its first eight shots from the field and finishing the first half at 53.3% shooting. It was the fourth time in the last five games they’ve shot at least 50% in the opening half - a sign of a team finding its rhythm offensively, even with key players out.
Turnovers were nearly nonexistent. The Tar Heels coughed it up just four times - their 11th game this season with fewer than 10.
It also marked the third time in the last six games they’ve kept turnovers under five. That kind of ball security, especially with a shuffled lineup, speaks volumes about the team’s composure and execution.
The Tar Heels led for nearly the entire game - 38 minutes and 57 seconds, to be exact - and never trailed. It was the sixth time this season, and third in ACC play, that Carolina went wire-to-wire without giving up the lead.
Dominance at the Smith Center Continues
With the win, Carolina improved to a perfect 15-0 at home this season. They've now won 13 of those 15 home games by double digits. The Smith Center remains one of the toughest places to play in college basketball, and the Heels are making sure it stays that way.
They’ve also now won 18 straight games when holding opponents under 70 points - a testament to the team’s defensive commitment, even when the offensive personnel changes.
UNC also extended its dominance over Pitt, improving to 19-9 all-time against the Panthers, including 9-3 in Chapel Hill and 8-3 inside the Smith Center.
Up Next
The Tar Heels head to Raleigh for a rivalry showdown with NC State on Tuesday night. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN. With momentum building and confidence growing among the supporting cast, Carolina will look to keep rolling - and maybe get a little healthier along the way.