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Last time Pitt and North Carolina squared off, Pitt was playing a road game. Today's game against the Tar Heels isn't technically a road game, but it will be for the most part. Playing in their home state, North Carolina getting the 'home' court is one reason to think this is an uphill battle for the Panthers.
The first time these two teams played, Pitt really made a run of things. They fell short, but losing by four points in their first trip to Chapel Hill as an ACC member was hardly an embarrassment. It was one of those games we saw far too often this year where the team faded down the stretch. They were down only two inside of five minutes to go and while they kept things close, inside of four minutes, they went 2-12 from the field.
One piece of encouraging news is that Pitt went without a monster game from Patterson that first time around. He played reasonably well (16 points, five rebounds, five assists, one turnover), but shot only 5-15 from the field. If he can be a little more efficient and carry Pitt like he did against Wake Forest, that will go a long way.
If you're working, unfortunately you're stuck with another 2:00 p.m. (will probably be closer to 2:30-3:00 p.m. again) start. Get to work early and leave early or suffer the consequences. You've been warned.
Game on ESPN2 or WatchESPN/ESPN3. If you're around, check in here and comment live during the game.
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