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UNC basketball vs. Pitt preview, game info, prediction and more
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- UNC basketball vs. Pitt preview, game info, prediction and more
The North Carolina Tar Heels return to the court on Saturday, hosting the Pitt Panthers. Fresh off a loss at Miami , North Carolina's five-game win streak in the ACC was snapped. But they also lost their best player, Caleb Wilson, who has a fractured left hand.
There is no timetable for Wilson's return, but barring a miracle, UNC's game on Saturday will be the first without him.
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This will give us a look at what the Tar Heels are without Wilson as they welcome in Pitt. The Panthers are struggling this season, entering this game at 9-16 overall and just 2-10 in conference play. While North Carolina is fighting for a double bye, Pitt is hoping to finish the season strong.
Even without Wilson, this is a game the Tar Heels should win. But they can't overlook the Panthers and are in no position to do so, even against an inferior opponent. North Carolina has to come out strong and win games they are supposed to win. Let's get into our preview for Saturday's game.
Key to Victory
Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kyan Evans (0) looks to move the ball past SMU Mustangs guard B.J. Edwards (0) during the game between the Mustangs and the Tar Heels at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Guard play. With Wilson out for this game, the Tar Heels are going to need someone or multiple players step up in this game. That starts with guard play.
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Even if Wilson was healthy, the Tar Heels need the guard play to be a lot better. They have struggled way too many times over the course of the season. That included against Miami. There's really been no consistent guard playing at a high level. If they want to find success, they need to get more from their guards.
Something to watch
Feb 2, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jonathan Powell (11) waits to come into the game in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
The post depth. The absence of Wilson leaves a void not only in scoring but in rebounding. The Tar Heels still have Henri Veesaar but now they will need someone else to step up. Zayden High is expected to see an increase in minutes as is Jonathan Powell. But will this give Hubert Davis the chance to explore different rotations and potentially give someone like James Brown more minutes?
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Statistical leaders
Feb 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) on the court in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Points
UNC: Caleb Wilson (19.8)
Pitt: Brandin Cummings (12.5)
Rebounds
UNC: Caleb Wilson (9.4)
Pitt: Cameron Corhen (7.2)
Assists
UNC: Kyan Evans (3.0)
Pitt: Damarco Minor (3.5)
What you need to know
TarHeelsWire How to Watch
WHAT? Pitt Panthers (9-16, 2-10 ACC) AT North Carolina Tar Heels (19-5, 7-4 ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, February 14 at 2 p.m. ET
WHERE? Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV? ESPN
RADIO? SiriusXM (Channels 145 and 193)
LINE? UNC -10.5
LAST MEETING? UNC 67, Pitt 66 on Feb. 8, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
ALL-TIME SERIES: UNC leads 11-8
PREDICTION? UNC 70, Pitt 60
UNC basketball 2025-26 schedule
October 4: Blue-White Scrimmage (White 55, Blue 50)
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Oct. 24: at BYU (preseason, L 78-76)
Oct. 29: vs. Winston-Salem State (preseason, W 95-53)
November 3: vs. Central Arkansas (W, 94-54)
Nov. 7: vs. Kansas (W, 87-74)
Nov. 11: vs. Radford (W, 89-74)
Nov. 14: vs. NC Central (W, 97-53)
Nov. 18: vs. Navy (W, 73-61)
Nov. 25: vs. St. Bonaventure in Fort Myers (Fla.) Tip-Off (W, 85-70)
Nov. 27: vs. Michigan State in Fort Myers (Fla.) Tip-Off (L, 74-58)
December 2: at Kentucky (W, 67-64)
Dec. 7: vs. Georgetown (W, 81-61)
Dec. 13: vs. USC Upstate (W, 80-62)
Dec. 16: vs. ETSU (W, 77-58)
Dec. 20: vs. Ohio State in CBS Sports Classic (W, 71-70)
Dec. 22: vs. East Carolina (W, 99-51)
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Dec. 30: vs. Florida State (W, 79-66)
January 3: at SMU (L, 97-83)
Jan. 10: vs. Wake Forest (W, 87-84)
Jan. 14: at Stanford (L, 95-90)
Jan. 17.: at California (L, 84-78)
Jan. 21: vs. Notre Dame (W, 91-69)
Jan. 24: at Virginia (W, 85-80)
Jan. 31: at Georgia Tech (W, 91-75)
February 2: vs. Syracuse (W, 87-77)
Feb. 7: vs. Duke (W, 71-68)
Feb. 10: at Miami (FL) (L, 75-66)
Feb. 14: vs. Pitt (2 p.m.)
Feb. 17: at NC State (7 p.m.)
Feb. 21: at Syracuse (1 p.m.)
Feb. 23: vs. Louisville (7 p.m.)
Feb. 28: vs. Virginia Tech (TBA)
March 3: vs. Clemson (7 p.m.)
March 7,: at Duke (6:30 p.m.)
March 10-14: ACC Tournament in Spectrum Center (Charlotte, N.C.)
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball vs. Pitt: Game preview, info, prediction and more
