UNC Beats Pitt Despite Missing Key Players

Tar Heels overcome absences of top scorers to win comfortably

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The University of North Carolina men's basketball team defeated the University of Pittsburgh 79-65 despite missing their two leading scorers, Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar. Several other Tar Heels stepped up, including Jarin Stevenson, Seth Trimble, and Luka Bogavac, who combined for 51 points in the first half to build a 14-point halftime lead. UNC never trailed in the game, though Pitt made a late push to make the final score closer.

Why it matters

UNC is one of the top teams in the ACC and a national title contender, so their ability to win comfortably without two of their best players is an encouraging sign for their depth and resilience. The Tar Heels will need that depth as they prepare to face a tough in-state rival in NC State later this week.

The details

With Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar out, UNC relied on strong performances from Jarin Stevenson (19 points), Seth Trimble (19 points), and Luka Bogavac (15 points) to build a double-digit halftime lead. Zayden High also had 15 points, 11 of which came in the second half. UNC shot 53% in the first half and forced 12 Pitt turnovers, though they were out-rebounded. Pitt's Cameron Corhen led the Panthers with 17 points.

  • UNC announced before the game that Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar would be out.

The players

Caleb Wilson

UNC's best player, sidelined with a broken bone in his left hand.

Henri Veesaar

The other half of UNC's front court duo, out due to illness.

Jarin Stevenson

UNC player who scored a team-high 19 points.

Seth Trimble

UNC player who also scored a team-high 19 points.

Luka Bogavac

UNC player who scored 15 points.

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What’s next

UNC will travel to Raleigh to take on NC State on Tuesday night. The Tar Heels hope to have Veesaar back for that game, though Wilson is not expected back so soon.

The takeaway

UNC's ability to win comfortably without two of their best players demonstrates the team's depth and resilience, which will be crucial as they continue their ACC schedule and push for a high NCAA Tournament seed.