Tar Heels Face Pitt as Caleb Love's Return Remains Uncertain

UNC basketball looks to bounce back after recent adversity with a key ACC matchup against the Panthers.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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North Carolina basketball is set to take on Pittsburgh this Saturday, with the Tar Heels hoping to build momentum after a challenging stretch. Head coach Hubert Davis must navigate Caleb Love's uncertain return timeline and find creative ways to maximize the team's depth, as rebounding and three-point shooting will be critical against the Panthers.

Why it matters

This game represents an opportunity for UNC to regain its footing in ACC play, but the Tar Heels face a delicate balancing act as they adjust to playing without a key contributor in Caleb Love. How Davis manages the rotation and game plan could set the tone for the remainder of the season.

The details

With Caleb Love's return date still unclear, Davis will need to rely on a versatile frontcourt featuring Jarin Stevenson and Veesaar to help offset the loss of size and rebounding. The Tar Heels may also turn to smaller lineups, potentially utilizing Jonathan Powell at the 4 spot, to create favorable matchups against the Panthers. Maintaining strong three-point shooting will be crucial, as UNC looks to compensate for potential rebounding deficiencies.

  • The game against Pittsburgh is scheduled for Saturday, February 18th.
  • Caleb Love's return timeline remains uncertain, leaving the Tar Heels to adapt their approach in the short term.

The players

Hubert Davis

The head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team, tasked with guiding the team through a challenging stretch.

Caleb Love

A key contributor for the Tar Heels who is currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury, creating uncertainty around the team's rotation and game plan.

Jarin Stevenson

A frontcourt player who has seen increased playing time in recent weeks, and will be relied upon to help offset the loss of size and rebounding with Caleb Love out.

Jonathan Powell

A versatile player who may see minutes at the 4 spot in smaller lineups, as the Tar Heels look to create favorable matchups against Pittsburgh.

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What they’re saying

“I suspect fans will feel good about what they see on Saturday.”

— Greg Barnes, Senior Reporter, Inside Carolina (on3.com)

“Rebounding becomes a significant issue. That's something they have to address, and you have to account for that by having better three-point shooting.”

— Greg Barnes, Senior Reporter, Inside Carolina (on3.com)

What’s next

After the Pittsburgh game, the Tar Heels will travel to Raleigh to face NC State on February 25th, in what is expected to be a challenging ACC matchup.

The takeaway

North Carolina's ability to adapt without Caleb Love and find creative solutions to address their rebounding and three-point shooting will be crucial in determining their success against Pittsburgh and in the games that follow. How the team responds to this adversity could set the tone for the remainder of their ACC campaign.