Pittsburgh Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Panthers

Key conference games

Jan. 10: Duke

Jan. 27: Syracuse

Feb 13: Boston College

An argument can be made that be every game is important, considering that it’s the best overall conference. Even bad teams such as Boston College are expected to be better, so any home game on the schedule is big.

One way for a coach to get himself off the proverbial “hot seat” is by pulling off a massive upset. After road games against Louisville and Virginia Tech to start off the conference slate, they return home to take on the Duke Blue Devils.

Duke is expected to be a national championship contender but conference play can be tricky. The last time Duke came to Pittsburgh they left with a loss, and the Peterson Event Center can be a raucous atmosphere when great teams come to town.

Syracuse at home will be a chance for a win. The Orange have some rebuilding to do themselves and Pitt has had some success against the 2-3 zone. In the middle of conference season, everyone’s roles should be defined, meaning Stallings could setup a gamelan to attack the zone.

The best opportunity for an ACC win could be at home against Boston College. With the Eagles finishing dead last a year ago, this should be the most likely win. However, BC returns a good group of guards and add a couple of bigs, so even they will be favorites against Pitt.