After dropping four straight games, the Pittsburgh Panthers are staring down another daunting challenge this afternoon: a road matchup against No. 11 North Carolina at the Dean E.
Smith Center. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m., and while both teams are dealing with key absences, the stakes remain high-especially for a Pitt squad trying to stop the bleeding.
Pitt's uphill battle continues
Jeff Capel’s group is coming off a 70-54 loss to Duke earlier this week, a game that highlighted just how thin the Panthers are right now. They were without their leading scorer, Brandin Cummings, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
And things could get even tighter today-starting point guard DeMarco Minor is listed as questionable. That’s a major concern for a team that already leans heavily on a short rotation and holds just a 9-16 record this season.
The Panthers played only six guys in that Duke game, and it showed. While they’ve had some bright starts during this losing streak, maintaining momentum has been a problem.
Turnovers and empty possessions have routinely derailed any rhythm they manage to build. Without Cummings and potentially without Minor, Pitt’s offensive ceiling is significantly lowered, and that’s not the kind of handicap you want walking into Chapel Hill.
Tar Heels shorthanded, but still dangerous
North Carolina isn’t at full strength either. The Tar Heels will be without star forward Caleb Wilson, who’s out with a fractured hand.
Wilson’s been their engine-leading the team in both scoring and rebounding-so his absence is no small thing. UNC is 19-5 on the season, but they’re coming off a surprising loss to Miami earlier in the week and will be looking to bounce back in front of a home crowd.
Even without Wilson, the Tar Heels have the kind of depth that can keep them afloat. Henri Veesaar is a name to watch-he’s in a prime position to step up and could be a real problem for Pitt’s frontcourt. The backcourt is young, but there’s talent there, and with the Panthers’ defensive issues, this could be the kind of game where UNC’s guards find their rhythm again.
A recent history that favors Pitt-sort of
Here’s where things get interesting: despite the contrasting trajectories of these programs-UNC being a perennial powerhouse and Pitt struggling to find its footing-the Panthers have actually held their own in this series. Under Capel, Pitt is 6-5 against the Tar Heels. And they’ve had some surprising success in Chapel Hill.
That said, history only gets you so far. Pitt needs more than a good track record-they need bodies, they need scoring, and they need to take care of the basketball, none of which has come easily during this skid.
What to expect
This one has the makings of a gritty, competitive game-at least for a while. Pitt has shown they can hang around early, even when shorthanded. But the question is whether they have the legs, the depth, and the execution to stay in it for 40 minutes.
UNC, even without Wilson, still has the offensive firepower to take control late. And with the memory of that Miami loss still fresh, don’t be surprised if the Tar Heels come out with a bit more urgency. If their guards start hitting shots and Veesaar asserts himself inside, Pitt could find itself chasing the game once again.
Predictions from around the room:
- Stephen Gertz sees UNC’s depth and motivation after a loss being too much for Pitt to overcome. He expects Veesaar to have a big day and believes Pitt’s turnover issues will once again be their undoing. Prediction: UNC 75, Pitt 63
- Jim Hammett points to Pitt’s thin rotation and lack of scoring consistency. He thinks they might hang around early, but ultimately UNC pulls away. Prediction: UNC 74, Pitt 64
- Matt Steinbrink acknowledges UNC’s recent struggles but still gives them the edge at home. He thinks Pitt could make it interesting but sees the Tar Heels closing strong. Prediction: UNC 73, Pitt 68
- Houston Wilson notes the absence of Caleb Wilson but still favors UNC’s depth and home-court advantage. He expects a competitive game, but one where the Tar Heels separate late. Prediction: UNC 79, Pitt 68
- Chris Peak highlights UNC’s offensive firepower and Pitt’s defensive shortcomings as a problematic combination for the visitors. Prediction: UNC win, with a side of heartbreak for Pitt.
Bottom line: Pitt has defied expectations in this matchup before, but they’ll need near-perfect execution, a big effort from their frontcourt, and some help from UNC’s young guards struggling to find their footing. If the Panthers can limit turnovers and muck up the pace, they might have a puncher’s chance. But on paper, this one tilts heavily toward the Tar Heels, even with their best player in street clothes.