Harrison Ingram rebounding UNC basketball win Pitt

UNC basketball wins first true road game in nearly 70 years, with Harrison Ingram's rebounding leading to victory over Pitt.

The University of North Carolina's basketball team recently played its first true road game in nearly 70 years, marking a significant milestone for the program. The team, ranked eighth in the nation, also entered the new year with a top-10 ranking for the first time since 2016. Their first game of 2024 resulted in a 70-57 victory over Pittsburgh, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure in a challenging environment.

The game, held at the Petersen Events Center, was a low-scoring affair that required the Tar Heels to grind out a hard-fought win. Despite a three-game losing streak against Pitt, UNC managed to secure a victory in the first of three consecutive ACC road games. Led by Armando Bacot's impressive performance of 16 points and 10 rebounds, the Tar Heels had strong contributions from multiple players, with four of them scoring in double figures.

Harrison Ingram, who had been averaging nearly 14 points and 6.3 rebounds in his previous games, struggled to find his shot against Pitt, missing his first 11 attempts. However, he made a significant impact on the boards, grabbing a career-high 15 rebounds and helping UNC dominate the rebounding battle against a strong Pitt team. The Tar Heels out-rebounded Pitt 51-41 and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring their opponents 15-1 in that category.

In their final game of 2023, senior guard RJ Davis achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Tar Heel in program history to record 20 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, and no turnovers in a single game. While Davis didn't reach those same heights against Pitt, he still managed to contribute 15 points, showcasing his ability to impact the game in various ways.

Additionally, sophomore guard Seth Trimble provided a spark off the bench with nine points and five rebounds in just 10 minutes of play. His timely scoring and energy helped the Tar Heels maintain a lead in a closely contested first half, ultimately contributing to their victory.

Looking ahead, UNC will face a tough test on the road against No. 16 Clemson, a highly ranked opponent in the ACC. The team's ability to build on their recent success and continue performing at a high level will be crucial as they navigate a challenging road trip.

Overall, UNC's win at Pitt highlighted their resilience, depth, and ability to adapt to different playing environments. As they prepare for future matchups, the Tar Heels will look to build on this victory and further solidify their position as a top team in college basketball.