![](https://sportscarolinamonthly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BACOT.jpg)
by Matt Bowers
PITTSBURGH—Jamarius Burton scored 31 points as Pittsburgh beat No. 25 North Carolina, 76-74, at the Petersen Events Center on Friday afternoon.
Pitt improved to 3-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, winning for the fourth time in the last five meetings in the series. Carolina fell to 9-5 overall, 1-2 in the ACC.
A poor second half doomed UNC, as the Tar Heels shot 33 percent (9 for 27, including 1 for 9 three-pointers) in the final 20 minutes after hitting 52 percent in the opening period. Meanwhile, Carolina allowed Pitt to connect on 50 percent of its attempts from the floor in the second half.
The Panthers outscored Carolina, 31-14, to close the game in the final 12 minutes.
“Defensively, we just didn’t have an answer for Burton,” UNC head coach Hubert Davis said in his postgame press conference. “Nobody on our team could guard him, and they stepped up and made plays down the stretch. Whether you’re at home or on the road, you have to step up and make those plays. We just didn’t do that at the end of the game.”
Armando Bacot finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season and the 57th of his career. He has a school-record 64 double-figure rebound games.
“The second half, we just let it slip away,” Bacot. “Playing a team at home, we can’t afford to make mistakes and take a deep breath. That’s what happens, they beat us.”
RJ Davis contributed 16 points and five rebounds despite an off-night shooting the ball that saw him miss 4 of 5 three-point tries. He was 7 for 8 from the free throw line.
Pete Nance scored 10 points while grabbing five rebounds. Leaky Black chipped in nine points and nine rebounds.
The Panthers limited Caleb Love, the ACC’s leading scorer entering the game, to seven points on 3 of 9 shooting. Love scored in single digits for just the second time this season and committed a key turnover in the final minute.
After Carolina dominated the boards, 22-12, in the first half, Pitt out-rebounded UNC, 21-16 in the second half. The Panthers scored 42 points in the paint to Carolina’s 26 in the game.
The Tar Heels will return to action on Wednesday night January 4 at home against Wake Forest. It will be Carolina’s first game in Chapel Hill in over three weeks since a December 13 win over The Citadel. Eight of UNC’s last 10 games have been on the road or at neutral sites.
![](https://sportscarolinamonthly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SCM-Logosmall-1.png)
Podcasts/Media
-
Podcast
/ 9 hours agoThe Desmond Johnson Show – Sneak Peek – Fri July 26th 2024
In this Sneak Peek…Desmond interviews When They Were Giants Filmmakers Chris Lea and Ciff...
-
Podcast
/ 16 hours agoInside the Vault – 2 Fans In The Stands – Thurs July 26th 2024
Hosted by Ryan Smith CJ and Tony hosts of 2 Fans in the Stands...
-
Podcast
/ 4 days agoTriad All Stars – Where Are They Now – Arkansas State QB Jaylen Raynor – Tues July 23rd 2024
Hosted by Ryan Smith Former East Forsyth and current sophomore QB at Arkansas State...
-
Podcast
/ 5 days agoInside The Vault – Ep 41 – Joe Person – Mon July 22nd 2024
Hosted by Ryan Smith. The inaugural guest on Inside the Vault returns as former...
WWE
-
WWE
/ 4 weeks agoThe Bloodline’s Ruthless Betrayal: Solo Sikoa Leads the Charge
Oh boy, where to begin? In the heart-pounding world of WWE, alliances are forged...
-
Podcast
/ 5 months agoDrop The Mike Podcast – Lodi Interview & Revolution Recap – Weds March 7th 2024
Lodi, former WCW wrestler, joins Drop the Mike this week for a special interview...
-
Podcast
/ 5 months agoDrop the Mike Podcast – Ep 75 – Weds Feb 14th 2024
The slap heard around the world! Join host Michael Davis and John Anthony (from...
-
Podcast
/ 6 months agoDrop The Mike Podcast – Wed Feb 7th 2024
The Rock or Cody Rhodes? Michael Davis is joined by Mike Mele (Mouthing Off...
NFL/Carolina Panthers
-
NFL
/ 9 hours agoDiontae Johnson explains how he’s building chemistry with new QB Bryce Young
Published by On3 The Panthers knew they needed to build around quarterback Bryce Young,...
-
NFL
/ 1 day agoPanthers GM Dan Morgan: Bryce Young is ‘committed to be great’
Published by On3 Panthers quarterbackBryce Young knows he needs to dazzle this season to...
-
NFL
/ 1 week agoStephon Gilmore insists he’s still a starter as he remains in free agency ahead of training camp
Published by On3 As his former teams prepare to begin training camp this week,...
-
NFL
/ 1 week agoAdam Thielen explains impact of Diontae Johnson signing for Carolina Panthers
Published by On3 The Panthers made a concerted effort to improve their offense this...