North Carolina Heads To Pennsylvania For Rematch With Pittsburgh

Ten days ago North Carolina lost to Pittsburgh in Chapel Hill.

Garrison Brooks had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead North Carolina (8-7, 1-3). Armando Bacot added 15 points and Brandon Robinson had 13 points for the Tar Heels, who lost for the sixth time in eight games. “according to https://goheels.com/news/2020/1/8/mens-basketball-unc-vs-pitt-recap.aspx

 On Saturday North Carolina will head to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for the rematch where North Carolina will be looking for a different result and look to snap their three game losing streak and avoid a fourth straight loss while Pittsburgh will be looking for the same result.

North Carolina comes into the game with a record of 8-8 while they’re 1-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference and last in the Atlantic Coast Conference Standings while Pittsburgh comes into the game with a record of 11-5 while they’re 2-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference and ninth in the standings. “according to http://theacc.com/standings.aspx?standings=40

As for North Carolina’s previous game,

They suffered their third straight loss as Clemson snapped their 0-59 losing streak in Chapel Hill.

Garrison Brooks and then Brandon Robinson both missed tying 3-pointers on the final possession. “according to https://goheels.com/news/2020/1/11/mens-basketball-unc-clemson-recap.aspx

When Robinson's missed at the horn, Clemson players ran to midcourt to celebrate, while John Newman III ran to wrap coach Brad Brownell in a huge hug on the sideline.”according to https://goheels.com/news/2020/1/11/mens-basketball-unc-clemson-recap.aspx

Meanwhile, Robinson laid on the court after his miss, capping a day that saw him go for a career-high 27 points but come up a shot short.”according to https://goheels.com/news/2020/1/11/mens-basketball-unc-clemson-recap.aspx

Roy Williams had this to say after the loss to Clemson.

We've had some great moments as a coach, and right now I'd say this is my lowest one because losing this game was my fault," Williams said. "Told them if I die tomorrow or 20 years from now, that'll be the biggest regret I had in 32 years as a coach. Cause these kids really need a win. And their coach let them down today." “according to https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28465538/clemson-stuns-host-unc-going-0-59-chapel-hill

Williams didn't stop there, either. “according to https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28465538/clemson-stuns-host-unc-going-0-59-chapel-hill

"Gotta tell Bubba he should probably fire me, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea," Williams said, folding up a stat sheet to put in his jacket pocket. "The coach is supposed to help his kids. I didn't help them very much. “according to https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28465538/clemson-stuns-host-unc-going-0-59-chapel-hill

Like North Carolina, Pittsburgh suffered a loss their last game as they lost to Louisville in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

The Panthers forced overtime and trailed by two with 37 seconds left in extra time before falling, 73-68, to No. 11 Louisville at home Tuesday night. “according to https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2020/1/14/mens-basketball-pitt-falls-late-to-no-11-louisville-in-overtime.aspx

Pittsburgh forward Terrell Brown thought he had a game-tying tip-in with 21 seconds to play, but he was called for a foul on the play, allowing No. 11 Louisville to escape Pitt's upset bid with a 73-68 overtime victory.”according to https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2020/1/14/mens-basketball-pitt-falls-late-to-no-11-louisville-in-overtime.aspx

Trey McGowens driving layup attempt bounced off the rim, and Brown put it back, appearing to tie the game, but he was whistled for an over-the-back foul against Louisville's Malik Williams.”according to https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2020/1/14/mens-basketball-pitt-falls-late-to-no-11-louisville-in-overtime.aspx

Williams hit both free throws to put Louisville up by two possessions, securing the final margin of victory.”according to https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2020/1/14/mens-basketball-pitt-falls-late-to-no-11-louisville-in-overtime.aspx

Louisville junior Jordan Nwora was limited by Pitt's defense, leading the Cardinals with 14 points, which tied for his second-smallest output of the season.”according to https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2020/1/14/mens-basketball-pitt-falls-late-to-no-11-louisville-in-overtime.aspx

Pitt led for over 33 minutes, but never by more than nine points. The entire second half was a back and forth affair, with the Cardinals gradually closing the gap. Louisville tied the game at 61 with under a minute remaining on a Johnson free throw.”according to https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2020/1/14/mens-basketball-pitt-falls-late-to-no-11-louisville-in-overtime.aspx

Trey McGowens totaled a game-high 24 points on 8-of-22 shooting. Justin Champagnie recorded his third double-double of the season with points and 11 rebounds, while Xavier Johnson tallied 11 points and had team bests in assists and steals with five and three, respectively. “according to https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2020/1/14/mens-basketball-pitt-falls-late-to-no-11-louisville-in-overtime.aspx

Tip-off is set for 12:00pm from the Peterson Events Center. The game will be televised on ESPN.