Tomorrow evening at 7 P.M. the Panthers take on the number nine ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Armed Forces Classic. The contest will mark start of the college basketball season. A win will give the Panthers a valuable resume builder.
Last year Pitt ended the season on a low note losing to George Washington in the NIT at home and finishing with a 19-15 record. Gonzaga on the other hand had one the best seasons in school history with a 35-3 record, while climbing as high as number two in the AP Poll. Their success did not stop there as they went on to reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament before losing to eventual champion Duke. However, the Zags lost their two starting guards, Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell, to graduation. Pitt comes into the game returning four of five starts, but that experience does not give too much on edge for the Panthers. In order to win this game there are several keys for Pitt to capture the win.
Keys:
1.Play Physical, But Don’t Foul
This primarily focuses on defending Kyle Wiltjer. Last season he averaged 16.8 points per game and is rightfully on the shortlist for preseason player of the year rankings. In order for the Panthers to be successful they must get physical and not back down from him. However, Dixon’s big’s need to avoid foul trouble and giving Gonzaga free points is a bad idea. This key not only focuses on Wiltjer, but also slowing down Bulldog offense as a whole. Last season they averaged 78.7 points per game, which was 10th in the nation. Getting physical on defense can help to slow down the Gonzaga offense.
2.Slow Down the Pace
The shot clock may have moved down the 30 seconds, but if Pitt wants to win they need to play their style. Gonzaga likes to put up points, the same cannot be said for the Panthers. Last season Pitt averaged 67 points per game, which was 186th in the nation. Grinding out the shot clock and playing a possession-by-possession battle will vastly help their chances of pulling off the upset. Dixon’s bread and butter has always been a more deliberate style. If the score can stay around the 50’s it would bode well for the Panthers.
3.Free Throws
It is no secret Dixon teams have struggled from the charity stripe. Last season was no exception to that, as they finished 208th in the nation in free throw percentage at 68.5%. When trying to pull off an upset execution is critical, which is why free throws must be made. They are too easy of a shot to miss at the rate Pitt did last year. Leaving points on the court is unacceptable and if Pitt does it tomorrow a loss will follow.
Match-Ups to Watch:
Kyle Wiltjer vs. Michael Young
This could be a coming out party for Young if he plays well. Last year he averaged about 13 points and seven rebounds per game, so as a junior he is poised to become a household name. Performing on nation television against a stud like Wiltjer will be needed for the Panthers to succeed.
Panthers Backcourt vs. Bulldogs Backcourt
James Robinson has been recovering from offseason surgery, but seems to be fine after several preseason games. The two-guard spot is up for debate, a number of individuals could see time at that spot. Chris Jones is the favorite to start, but Sterling Smith, Damon Wilson, and Cameron Johnson all could fight for minutes. Gonzaga needs to replace two of their best shooters, which will be extremely difficult. They will need their guards to step up to take the pressure of Wiltjer.
Panthers Bench vs. Gonzaga Bench
Often times in basketball the bench can determine the outcome of a game. Both teams will need guys to step up in limited minutes. As well, Pitt’s bench showed a lack of depth last year. So if they can stack up against a good Gonzaga team it will be favorable moving forward.
Prediction:
Right now there are a lot of question marks facing this Pitt team. We do not even know for sure who makes up their starting five. Their experience should help them as James Robinson, Jamel Artis, and Michael Young all have significant minutes under their belt. But that being said Gonzaga is the type of team who Dixon squads struggle with. They will push the tempo and more importantly shoot from the perimeter. At half it will close, but by the end the game the Bulldogs will come out on top.
Final: Pitt- 55 Gonzaga-70