On the surface this game doesn’t really seem to matter. The Orange are pretty much done in terms of their NCAA tournament hopes. However, if the Orange want to play in March, their only way is winning the ACC tournament. At this point, seeding for the ACC tournament is critical for the Orange. They are tied with Notre Dame for 5th in the ACC at 8-8 and NC State, Georgia Tech and Clemson right behind the Orange with an 8-9 record. If the Orange can finish the season strong, they could clinch the 5th seed in the ACC thus giving them the best chance to win the ACC tournament. In order to make that dream a reality, the Orange need the sweep tonight of Pitt. So with that, let’s check back in with the Panthers this season.
Panthers Season Since January 25th
Ever since the Orange defeated the Panthers 69-61 back on January 25th, the Panthers have gone 2-6 and have lost four games in a row. They now are 12th in the ACC with a 15-13 overall record and 6-11 in ACC play. What looked like a promising season for the Panthers has quickly come crashing back down to earth. It’s been a struggle offensively for the Panthers this season as Pitt averages 65.5 points per game which is 13th in the ACC. On the flip side, the Panthers strength has been their defense as they only give up 64.4 points per game which is 4th in the ACC. So while the Panthers aren’t much of a threat on offense, their defense could present come challenges for the Orange.
Players To Watch Out For
The Panthers have a potential bright future with freshman guard/forward Justin Champagnie who leads the team in scoring with 12.3 points per game and rebounds with 7.1 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson will also pose a threat for the Orange as he averages 11.9 points per game, averages 5.1 assists per game which is 5th in the ACC, and averages averages 1.7 steals per game good for 7th in the ACC. Junior forward Terrell Brown is going to be a problem in the paint as he averages 1.7 blocks per game good for 5th in the conference. The Panthers this season have seven players who have played in 26 or more game so the Panthers themselves don’t posses a deep bench.
Final Prediction
The Orange have won six straight games against the Panthers and after tonight you can it seven in a row. This will be a closer game just because of the Panthers defense. But this is a young Panthers team that is still learning how to win. Despite this game being on the road, the Orange haven’t lost at Pitt since 2017 and since Jeff Capel took over the program, he has yet to beat the Orange in that time. Capel will eventually get his first win against the Orange, but he will have to wait until next season to get that opportunity.
