Pittsburgh blew the team’s chance at a win this past week. With another shot at Syracuse, will they finally get that conference win?
TV schedule: Saturday, Jan. 27, 4:00 p.m. ET. ACC Network
Arena: Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
It’s tough to be a Pittsburgh 8-13 (0-8) fan right now. The Panthers have yet to win a game in the ACC, and most of them have been non-competitive in the final 10 minutes of the game.
That was looking to be the same case in the last game with NC State, but it was actually Pitt that was blowing out the other team. They were up by 10 points at the half and led by nearly 20 points early in the second half. But the Panthers showed why they’re one of the worst scoring teams in the country, going cold the final 10 minutes to allow the Wolfpack to come back and steal the win.
It ruined Jared Wilson-Frame’s 22 points in his return to the starting lineup, but Parker Stewart’s 0/6 shooting night hurt the Panthers badly in this one. He was playing well of late, including a career-high 23 points against Pittsburgh’s next opponent, Syracuse 14-6 (3-4).
After going through a four-game losing streak, the Orange have won their past two games, including the most recent win over Boston College, led by Tyus Battle’s 24 points. He, along with Oshae Brissett and Frank Howard, had their usual production, but Paschal Chukwu and Marek Dolezaj combined for 26 points, something few predicted. The freshman forward’s numbers are going to be needed, as Matthew Moyer’s ankle sprain is likely to hold him out for some time.
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Last time out, it was a one-possession game with 10 minutes to go, before Syracuse pulled ahead. But with an already shallow team depth-wise getting even shorter, the Orange is vulnerable. Will Pittsburgh be able to rebound in what might be their best shot at an ACC win?
Prediction: Syracuse 73 – Pittsburgh 64