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There's one thing college basketball fans across the nation know: Caleb Wilson is UNC's best player. North Carolina played without Wilson on Saturday, as the last-place Pitt Panthers came to town.
Making matters worse for the Tar Heels, Henri Veesaar also missed Saturday's game. Fans didn't learn this news until just before tip-off, with Veesaar battling an illness and lower-body injury.
Down their top two players, UNC responded from Tuesday's loss at Miami (FL) in the best way possible, winning 79-65 on an afternoon where guys across the roster stepped up.
Jarin Stevenson, who is currently playing his best basketball in a North Carolina (20-5, 8-4 ACC) uniform, played a team-high 36 minutes and delivered a career performance. Stevenson scored 19 points, his most in a Tar Heels uniform, while adding three rebounds, two assists and ablock.
Zayden High, who totaled 31 minutes across UNC's previous nine games, delivered the game of his life in 32 minutes. High set career highs of 15 points and seven rebounds, while managing to not foul out with North Carolina down to two frontcourt options.
Seth Trimble tied Stevenson for a Tar Heels-best 19 points, while Luka Bogavac scored 15 points to continue his tear. UNC continued improving its free throw shooting (10-of-13, 82%), while finishing with a 16-4 advantage in fast break points.
The hope is Veesaar will return for Tuesday at NC State, but if he's unable to go, North Carolina is in good hands. While you still celebrate today's victory over Pitt (9-17, 2-11 ACC), take a look at the following social media reactions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Social media reacts to big Saturday win vs. Pitt
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Making matters worse for the Tar Heels, Henri Veesaar also missed Saturday's game. Fans didn't learn this news until just before tip-off, with Veesaar battling an illness and lower-body injury.
Down their top two players, UNC responded from Tuesday's loss at Miami (FL) in the best way possible, winning 79-65 on an afternoon where guys across the roster stepped up.
Jarin Stevenson, who is currently playing his best basketball in a North Carolina (20-5, 8-4 ACC) uniform, played a team-high 36 minutes and delivered a career performance. Stevenson scored 19 points, his most in a Tar Heels uniform, while adding three rebounds, two assists and ablock.
Zayden High, who totaled 31 minutes across UNC's previous nine games, delivered the game of his life in 32 minutes. High set career highs of 15 points and seven rebounds, while managing to not foul out with North Carolina down to two frontcourt options.
Seth Trimble tied Stevenson for a Tar Heels-best 19 points, while Luka Bogavac scored 15 points to continue his tear. UNC continued improving its free throw shooting (10-of-13, 82%), while finishing with a 16-4 advantage in fast break points.
The hope is Veesaar will return for Tuesday at NC State, but if he's unable to go, North Carolina is in good hands. While you still celebrate today's victory over Pitt (9-17, 2-11 ACC), take a look at the following social media reactions.
Can UNC hold on until postseason play without their two big men?
North Carolina over Pitt without both Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar.
Tar Heels are 20-5 with six regular season games left.
Have to just hold down the fort until the ACC Tournament.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 14, 2026
Standing on business.
Lots of happy postgame thoughts
Initial UNC/Pitt thoughts:
-No Wilson, No Veesaar, No Problem
-Jarin Stevenson looked like the 5-star he was coming out of high school
-Zayden High has a career game in his first UNC start. Nobody had more fun today than he did
-Luka was as aggressive as he’s been all season…
— Josh "Fitty" Marlow (@HTB_Josh) February 14, 2026
Big win.
EVERYONE loves a Tar Heel win!
Zayden High and Jarin Stevenson DELIVERED!
Firstly…
HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN
*** These two boys, came through and didn’t disappoint
*** Luka smooth as silk and under control the whole game
*** I did say these boys were right?
*** Capel bro’s suck! pic.twitter.com/2UFLqQaPYh
— Jon Robinson (@jonrob11011965) February 14, 2026
Did this NC State fan just predict the future?
Most N.C. State thing ever would be losing to Carolina without Veesaar and Caleb Wilson then turn around and beat Duke.
— Dennis Smith Jr’s Burner (@DSJBurner) February 14, 2026
Louisville is coming.
It’ll be a big one the next time the Tar Heels are at home… pic.twitter.com/FoQT2TXkXW
— Josh "Fitty" Marlow (@HTB_Josh) February 14, 2026
Zayden High is HERE!
North Carolina basketball at its finest!
It was a great team performance with players stepping up with Caleb and Henri out, and watching them both cheer loudly on the bench, that’s point to the passer mentality!!!
That’s Carolina Basketball!
TAAAAAAAAARRRRR!!! pic.twitter.com/UAWiy9I9N6
— British Tar Heel (@britishtarheel) February 14, 2026
Now introducing...Zayden High!!
A comfortable, much-needed win
No Caleb Wilson, no Henri Veesaar, but North Carolina still comfortably rolls past Pitt by 14.
Zayden High, who entered today with 50 total points in 43 career games, starts the first game of his college career and finishes with with 15 points and 7 rebounds.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) February 14, 2026
Bringing that Caleb Wilson energy after the big W!
Pitt is really bad...
Making free throws wins games.
UNC has seen a resurgence in its FT shooting the last 5.
After 13 straight games at or under 70%, UNC has been over 70% in each of the last 5:
Total in that stretch: 69-88 (78.4%)
• 11-12 (91.7%)
• 25-35 (71.4%)
• 11-14 (78.6%)
• 8-10 (80%)
• 14-17 (82.4%)
— Isaac Schade (@isaacschade) February 14, 2026
We second that!
Don't worry...HE'S JOKING (read the comments)
Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar are system players pic.twitter.com/ukJcUImc66
— Christian Odjakjian (@OdjHoops) February 14, 2026
A great response to adversity
FINAL
UNC 79
Pitt 65
Yes it's "just Pitt", but Heels responded well to adversity
• Multiple Heels step up in Wilson/Veesaar's absence
• 19 each for Stevenson & Trimble
• Career High in points (15), rebounds (7), & minutes (32) for Zayden High
— Isaac Schade (@isaacschade) February 14, 2026
You love to see General Wilson!
Dearest mother,
Without Cpt. Vessar or myself, the townsfolk said we had no chance today yet we heard no bell. My men are resilient and always look forward to the challenge. We circle the wagons before heading east down 40.
Your loving son,
General Wilson
— General Caleb S. Wilson (@general_caleb_w) February 14, 2026
Great win without their two top guys
According to the top analytic folks, North Carolina would have been around a 15.5 point favorite with a full lineup. UNC defeats Pitt 79-65. Overall, a very positive effort by the Tar Heels today. @TarHeel_247
— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) February 14, 2026
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Social media reacts to big Saturday win vs. Pitt
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