North Carolina Basketball: 3 keys for the Tar Heels against Pittsburgh

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels directs his team against the Harvard Crimson during the first half at the Dean Smith Center on January 02, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images /

North Carolina Basketball opens ACC play this Saturday with a road game against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Here’s a look at three keys to victory for them.

North Carolina Basketball is ranked No. 15 in the latest AP Poll entering their opener in ACC play. The Tar Heels are enjoying a two-game winning streak since falling to 19th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats back on Dec. 22. Their 10-3 non-conference record is still an impressive one but they’re 2-2 against ranked opponents so far in 2018-19.

The Panthers aren’t ranked, but they’re a scrappy first opponent to face to open ACC play with a 10-3 record as well. The Panthers lost by just a point to the Iowa Hawkeyes, the only ranked opponent they’ve faced this season but in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge despite being led by a group of young guards.

The Tar Heels have their own strength in youth in freshmen Coby White and Nassir Little, two players that have seen their roles grow as the season has progressed. Conference play will be a big challenge for them and it will also be good for their development. The Panthers will give them all they can handle on the road, which should make for a competitive atmosphere.

North Carolina still has the veteran experience of Luke Maye and Cameron Johnson, two senior leaders that are looking for more success in 2018-19. Here’s a look at three keys to victory for the Tar Heels against the Pittsburgh Panthers.

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