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UNC has a guard problem, but someone has to step up.

UNC has a guard problem, but someone has to step up.

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Jan 17, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) dribbles against California Golden Bears center Milos Ilic (8) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' recent stretch has been extremely concerning.

Jan 17, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Derek Dixon (3) passes against California Golden Bears guard Justin Pippen (right) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels suffered their second consecutive loss on Saturday against the California Golden Bears.

Jan 17, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Derek Dixon (3) dribbles against California Golden Bears guard Justin Pippen (left) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Dixon earned the start in UNC’s 84-78 loss to Cal

Here are three takeaways from UNC’s second straight loss.

This problematic issue is stopping UNC from going to the next level

Head coach Hubert Davis has made a significant change to the starting lineup

Ups, downs from the Tar Heels' loss to Cal

Jan 17, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jaydon Young (4) reacts during the second half against the California Golden Bears at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels suffered their second straight loss on Saturday.

Jan 17, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) dribbles against California Golden Bears forward John Camden (left) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

North Carolina has been led by the star freshman, who will be a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kyan Evans (0) looses control of the ball while dribbling against Stanford Cardinal guard Jeremy Dent-Smith (25) and forward AJ Rohosy (4) in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels start to conference play has been shaky, causing uncertainty for fans and former players.

Jan 17, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) reacts after being called for a foul against California Golden Bears guard Justin Pippen (on ground left) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Wilson has been one of the best players in the country this season

Here are all the best reactions from the Tar Heels' loss against Cal on Saturday afternoon.

Jan 17, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) is double teamed by California Golden Bears forward John Camden (left) and forward Lee Dort (center back) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Here is how the Tar Heels matchup against the Golden Bears played out on Saturday.

Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis looks on against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels have a rough few days leading up to Saturday's tilt.

Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) celebrates against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

UNC looks built for March, with Veesaar and Wilson providing juice.

Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8), guard Kyan Evans (0), and Stanford Cardinal forward Aidan Cammann (52) reach for a loose ball in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels are need of a statement win against the Golden Bears on Saturday.

Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kyan Evans (0) looses control of the ball while dribbling against Stanford Cardinal guard Jeremy Dent-Smith (25) and forward AJ Rohosy (4) in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' performances over the last few games have been alarming.

Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) looks on against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

UNC has lost two of its last three games

Take a look at two aspects of gameplan that can win into today's game.

UNC suffered a crushing loss to Stanford. Here’s how it can recover.

Postseason window is closing slowly.

Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) celebrates a three point basket against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Stanford created several issues for the Tar Heels' defense.

Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis looks on against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

North Carolina's defense struggled against on Wednesday night.

Whether Caleb Wilson goes down in UNC history depends on this factor.