Pittsburgh Basketball: 3 keys to home matchup with Murray State Racers

Pittsburgh Basketball had no issues with Radford on opening night, winning by 40 points. But their next opponent had an even bigger blowout, with Murray State (1-0) beating non-DI opponent, Bethel. The final score was 113-37. It's going to be a much tougher time against the Panthers but this Missouri Valley program will also be tougher compared to Radford.

Here are three keys to the Panthers winning Friday night.

1. Lowe/Leggett vs Wood and Milton

The backcourt duo for Pittsburgh had a great game versus Radford, combining for 40 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists. But they have some competition in the Racers backcourt, with JaCobi Wood and Kylen Milton combining for 36 points in their opening win. Wood started the past two years for Murray State, averaging 12.5 ppg and 4.1 apg. Milton came over from Arkansas-Pine Bluff after averaging over 17 ppg.

Murray State is a team that'll be led by its backcourt and if they can match Pittsburgh's group, they'll have a chance to stay in the game. But if Lowe and Leggett outshine them, it could be another easy night.

2. Dominate the Racers on the boards

Last season, Murray State wasn't a good rebounding team, ranking in the bottom-tier of the MVC in those categories and in the 300s nationally. The roster this season will be even small, with no one in the rotation taller than 6'8.

6'6 forward AJ Ferguson led the team with seven rebounds and the Racers do have some solid frontcourt bodies. But this should be the kind of game where Cameron Corhen and Guillermo Diaz Graham have their way inside, both in the paint and on the boards.

3. Brandin Cummings play as 1st guard off the bench

With Damian Dunn starting instead of Zack Austin at the three-spot, that meant freshman Cummings was the first guard off the bench. He played well in his first D-I game, scoring 11 points and dishing out three assists in 21 minutes.

If this remains the rotation going forward, Pittsburgh will need Cummings to be consistently good. The competition gets tough for him so let's see his production against the Racers.