Panthers in a must-win scenario vs. Cardinals
They’re seeking first ACC win of season
While going winless in its first three ACC contests of the 2023-24 season was not a part of Pitt’s plan, Jeff Capel’s group has an opportunity to turn things around Saturday as it hits the road to face Louisville.
Similar to last year, the Cardinals (5-8, 0-2) have once again struggled throughout the season, entering their weekend battle as losers of five of their last six games. The Panthers (9-5, 0-3) haven’t been much better, losing their last two contests.
Pitt and Louisville will tip off at noon. Here is a closer look at the matchup:
Top storyline
It seems silly to deem a contest against arguably the worst highmajor basketball team in the country a “must win,” but Pitt cannot afford to leave Louisville with a loss. Last weekend, Pitt sat in a decent position as far as tournament consideration goes, ranking No. 39 in NET and No. 44 in KenPom prior to its battle on Dec. 30 against Syracuse.
Losses to the Orange and No. 8 North Carolina have allowed the Panthers to slip down to 52 and 54 in those respective marks, and a loss to an inferior Cardinals team would lead to an even greater free fall.
While a win in Louisville wouldn’t do much for the Panthers’ resume, what it could do is help the group battle out of its current funk. From shooting slumps to injuries to a lack of confidence, numerous players have plenty to overcome if Capel’s group hopes to return to the NCAA tournament. A tune-up game that could also serve as the team’s first ACC win on the year is a great opportunity to get back on track.
Key players
Blake Hinson: In the midst of perhaps the worst shooting slump of his college career, Hinson can snap back to his normal self
against Louisville. During Pitt’s last three games, Hinson’s absence has been well noted, shooting just 23.7% from the field, 13.6% from 3point range and 50% from the foul line.
Those who know Hinson understand that one thing that hasn’t been lacking throughout his cold streak is confidence. Regardless of what his past stat lines look like, Hinson is going to continue shooting the basketball, which means, eventually, he will once again find a rhythm.
Jaland Lowe: One of the bright spots for Pitt over the past few games has been Lowe, a freshman point guard that has continued to give the Panthers solid production off the bench.
Lowe delivered arguably his best showing of the season Tuesday evening, when he contributed 10 points on 4 of 8 shooting, along with three rebounds and a pair of assists in a career-high 25 minutes against North Carolina. He was also solid last weekend against Syracuse, when he chipped in nine points and four assists with no turnovers in 17 minutes.
With Hinson ice cold and Ishmael Leggett battling through a shoulder injury, Lowe’s emergence has been big. He, along with fellow freshman guard Bub Carrington, is the future of the program, and their development is key. Louisville marks another chance for Lowe to refine his skills against an inferior backcourt, so he can be better prepared for tougher matchups against Duke and Miami later this month.
Behind enemy lines
Head coach: Kenny Payne, second year
KenPom ranking: 205 (Pitt: 54)
NET ranking: 266 (Pitt 52)
Projected starting five ( points, rebounds, assists): Ty-Laur Johnson, 6-0, freshman (8.1 – 1.6 – 3.3);
Skyy Clark, 6-3, sophomore (15.2 – 3.0 – 2.6); Mike James, 6-5, redshirt sophomore (12.2 – 6.0 – 1.5); Danilo Jovanovich, 6-8, sophomore (0.9 – 1.5 – 0.3); Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, 6-10, junior (9.7 – 9.0 – 0.9).
The scoop: Louisville isn’t as bad as it was last season, but the Cardinals should still be little to no challenge for Pitt.
Payne’s group ranks last in the ACC in scoring defense (75.5 points allowed per game), opposing field goal percentage ( 45.8%) and made 3-pointers per game (5.3).
It also ranks second to last in the league in 3- point shooting percentage (28.4%), defensive rebounding (25.2 per game), assists (10.92) and assist-turnover ratio (0.89).
Some of that poor production could be due to injury. Louisville was without four players in its loss Wednesday evening to Virginia, including Tre White, a guard who has started 12 games this year.
One area in which the Cardinals have experienced some success is on the offensive glass, as their average of 12.3 offensive rebounds per game ranks third in the ACC. Huntley-Hatfield is leading the rebounding charge for Louisville, averaging nine boards per game, which is fifth best in the league.