After losing to Navy 71-62, the Pittsburgh Panthers plays a home game that could determine how low things could go this season.
TV schedule: Monday, Nov. 13, ACC Network, 7:00 p.m. E.T.
Arena: Pederson Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
After losing their opening game against Navy in the Veterans Classic on Friday, head coach Kevin Stallings and the Pitt Panthers return home to play the Montana Grizzlies. Led by head coach Travis DeCluire, the team from the Big Sky finished 16-16 last year.
The Grizzlies won their opening game against Division-II Withworth 72-60, led by junior guard Ahmaad Rorie who scored 21 points. He’s the primary player the Panthers need to game plan for, as he was the team’s top player from last year, averaging 17.6 ppg.
As for Pitt, the Navy defeat confirmed the worst fears fans had about this season for the program. That fact that the Midshipmen were favored by Vegas is all you need to know about how the Panthers look. With the roster such a mystery, a few things were learned about Pitt. Jared Wilson-Frame looks to be the go-to man after his 20 point performance. Senior Ryan Luther is taking advantage of his expanded role, with 14 points and eight boards.
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The problem is that, outside of those two and freshman Marcus Carr (12 points), there was no other help to be found. Parker Stewart and Jonathan Milligan each got the start, and in 30 combined minutes the total box score was zero points, one rebound, and an assist.
The biggest head scratcher came by the exclusion of Lafayette grad transfer Monty Boykins only played four total minutes. One would think after the missing their first 14 shots of the second half and allowing the deficit to reach double-digits, a change-up in the line-up would’ve help.
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It’s honestly a stretch to say that the Panthers should even win this one, considering that they won’t even be able to take advantage of the Grizzlies lack of size (out-rebounded by Navy 38-30). The amount of talent is similar between these two teams, which is an incredible statement to make about the ACC team. But if the crowd comes out to support their team in Pittsburgh, the home-court will be what gives them the edge in this game.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 74 – Montana 72