25. Pittsburgh (6-0)
We haven’t heard too much about the Panthers to start this season but they’re stockpiling early wins and look better than advertised. While this Pittsburgh program wasn’t in great shape early on in Jeff Capel’s tenure, he did get them to the Big Dance a few seasons ago and has a chance to repeat that feat based on this strong start.
Monday wasn’t much of a thriller, as the Panthers won 93-48 at home over VMI. All five starters scored in double figures but Jaland Lowe was brilliant with a triple-double performance in the victory. What transpired on Friday was more impressive, with Pittsburgh beating LSU 74-63 in their first match at the Greenbrier Tip-Off. Lowe had 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists while Ishmael Leggett added 21 points in a phenomenal effort.
Winning games is what matters at this point in the season, and while the schedule hasn’t exactly been difficult it does now include a pair of double-digit wins over power conference teams. These Panthers will certainly be tested more in the weeks to come, but you have to love what Lowe and the rest of the roster have produced to this point. Challenge beckons, as the Panthers play Wisconsin in Greenbrier before a trickier Friday road game at Ohio State.