The stretch from Jan. 28 to Feb. 15 presents UNC with a formidable challenge, starting with a road game at Pittsburgh. The Panthers and Tar Heels are tied with five wins each through their last 10 games, and playing late at night on ESPN heightens the pressure.

The ACC released its 2024-25 men’s basketball schedule on Tuesday, with an emphasis on the league’s projected frontrunners, as well as its three new members. Each of the conference’s now-18 members — following this summer’s official additions of Cal,