North Carolina turns to reserves, rolls to easy win vs. Pitt in first game after loss of star Caleb Wilson
CBS Sports
by
Isaac Trotter
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
North Carolina delivered a strong performance despite being without star player Caleb Wilson, who remains sidelined indefinitely due to a hand fracture. The Tar Heels secured an 79-65 victory over Pitt in their first game without Wilson, showcasing the team's depth and ability to adapt. Key contributors like Luka Bogavac and Jarin Stevenson stepped up, with Bogavac scoring 15 points and four assists, while Stevenson contributed 19 points on just seven shots, including three三分球和四次罚球全中。 UNC’s offensive rebounding, typically a strength thanks to Wilson and Henri Veesaar, was weak against Pitt, highlighting the challenge of replacing their top players.
The game revealed both strengths and weaknesses for UNC. While the defense struggled at times, allowing Pitt to score 34 points in the paint, freshman Derek Dixon excelled with seven assists and only one turnover, demonstrating poised ball handling. Backup big man Zayden High also had a career-high 15-point performance, but the absence of Veesaar, who is expected to return soon, left a noticeable gap in interior defense.
This game underscores the importance of UNC’s bench stepping up as Wilson recovers. The Tar Heels will need consistent performances from players like Bogavac and Stevenson to maintain their competitive edge. Without Wilson, the team must rely on improved shot selection and defensive efforts to compensate for lost scoring opportunities. As they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks, including a crucial matchup against N.C. State, UNC’s ability to adapt and grow will be key to their success this season.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/14/2026