Social media reacts to shorthanded UNC dominating Pitt on Saturday

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.

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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.

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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?