It's a new season for Pittsburgh Basketball, coming off barely missing the NCAA Tournament last year. They have a roster with postseason potential but will have to avoid a messy non-con performance, starting with the Radford Highlanders, a program from the Big South.
The Panthers will be favored but what are the keys to watch in this matchup? Here are the keys to watch.
1. Jaland Lowe proving the early hype right
Last season, Carlton Carrington was getting hype as the projected starting point guard for the team. And the freshman made history by getting a triple-double in his debut, the start of his eventual one-and-done season to becoming an NBA Draft lottery pick. Lowe, who had a good freshman campaign himself, is now the one national pundits are watching for a breakout campaign. He had a 20+ point game against Point Park in the exhibition game, can he do it again versus Radford?
2. Cam Corhen becoming a featured option
It's been a good start for the FSU center transfer, getting double-digit scoring games against both Point Park and reportedly, Cincinnati in the preseason scrimmage. Look for the Panthers to feature him inside in the season opener, as Radford doesn't have much size inside. Though they can be physical. Can Corhen get another 10+ outing?
3. Zack Austin's impact
The starting small forward didn't have a good game against Point Park in the exhibition, scoring just a few points. However, he reportedly played a big role in beating Cincy in the scrimmage, scoring in double figures and getting a couple of blocks.
Austin's defense and athleticism is his main calling cards but if he can be a double-digit scorer for the Panthers in the regular season, that raises the program's ceiling even more this year. He's arguably the biggest x-factor for the team, with tonight a chance to show what kind of impact he'll provide.