In a thrilling semifinal matchup, the No. 4 North Carolina Tar Heels emerged victorious over the Pittsburgh Panthers, securing a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament final and moving closer to securing a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Led by RJ Davis and Armando Bacot, the Tar Heels showcased their resilience and determination, winning their eighth consecutive game with a final score of 72-65.

Davis, who displayed his clutch performance throughout the game, finished with an impressive 25 points and was instrumental in leading his team to victory. Bacot, equally influential, contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. Together, they accounted for all of UNC's final 18 points, ensuring their team's success.

The path to a No. 1 seed became clearer for North Carolina as other highly ranked teams, including fifth-ranked Tennessee and sixth-ranked Arizona, suffered defeats in their respective conference tournaments. These outcomes have boosted the Tar Heels' chances of securing one of the top seeds in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Facing an opponent that posed a strong case for an NCAA Tournament spot, Pitt, the Tar Heels had to navigate a challenging matchup. The Panthers, led by Carlton Carrington's 24 points and Jaland Lowe's 17 points, fought hard and even led by nine points at one stage in the first half. However, North Carolina's resilience and the standout performances of Davis and Bacot ultimately tipped the scales in their favor.

The game saw multiple lead changes, but North Carolina seized control when it mattered most. Davis hit a crucial three-pointer to put the Tar Heels ahead, and they never trailed again. With Davis stepping up in the closing minutes, the ACC Player of the Year demonstrated his exceptional skills and ability to make decisive plays.

Next up for North Carolina is the ACC Tournament final against 10th-seeded North Carolina State, following their overtime victory over Virginia. It is a significant moment for the Tar Heels, as it marks their first appearance in the conference final since 2018. A victory in the final would secure their first ACC Tournament title since 2016.

The presence of legendary coach Roy Williams, who led the Tar Heels to three national championships, added to the excitement as he watched from an esteemed seat close to the court. UNC's dedicated fans also made their presence felt, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the semifinals.

While North Carolina celebrates their successful journey to the final, Pitt retains hope for an NCAA Tournament spot despite the loss. Head coach Jeff Capel believes that his team's strong performance and resume make them deserving candidates for the tournament.

As the countdown to Selection Sunday begins, both teams await their fate. North Carolina, with their recent impressive form and a display of depth in their roster, appears poised for a deep NCAA Tournament run. Meanwhile, Pitt hopes their valiant efforts and strong performance will earn them a well-deserved spot in the tournament.

The ACC Tournament final promises an electrifying clash between two fierce rivals, where North Carolina aims to add to their impressive record of 19 ACC Tournament championships. For both teams, the final represents an opportunity to secure their place among the elite in college basketball.