This Panthers enter this week at 2-0 after wins against St. Joseph’s (Ind.) and University of Detroit. Up next on the schedule will be two more home games, these two will feature Cornell and Kent State.
A lot like the last two games the Panthers will be expected to win both of these contests. The first matchup is on Wednesday at 7 P.M. against Cornell, while the second game of the week is on Saturday at 4 P.M. Cornell is 2-2 on the year with wins versus Colgate and Binghamton, then loses to Georgia Tech and Canisius. Kent State on the other hand is 2-1 winning against Youngstown State and Marist, their lone loss coming at the hands of Southern Illinois. Even though on paper Pitt should dominant they cannot not lose focus, because winning out this week would put them at 4-0 when they play 21st ranked Purdue on December 1st.
Cornell Preview:
Keys-
1.Perimeter Defense
The Big Red let it fly from deep at a rate of 26 three-point shot attempts per game. However, they also make them at an impressive 39.4% clip. Against Detroit the Panthers were not at their best defending the long ball, so that will be a necessity on Wednesday. Limiting Cornell from doing what they do best will force them into an uncomfortable position.
2.Take Advantage on Offense
Pitt’s offense has been great averaging 89.5 points per contest. Cornell’s defense has some noticeable holes as they let up 90 points per game. It is clear Michael Young and company should be able to put up big numbers. If the offense is going to succeed continuing to let it fly from deep will also help with that.
3.Slow Down Hatter and Morgan
This backcourt tandem has been great for Big Red in their first four games. Matt Morgan is only a freshman and averages 18 points per game on 39.7% from the field. While his teammate junior Robert Hatter is one of the more dangerous scorers Pitt will see in the early part of this season. On the season he has put up 19.8 points per game on 51.9% from the field and 38.9% from three.
Matchup to Watch
Pitt Bench vs. Cornell Bench
Head coach for Cornell, Bill Courtney, employs a similar strategy as Dixon by going deep into his bench. On the season he has ten different players averaging ten minutes or more per game. In comparision Dixon also has ten different guys playing ten minutes or more. Dixon has praised his bench depth and against a Big Red team who utilizes their bench similarly they could make or break this contest.
Prediction-
Cornell’s defense has been a liability all season and even though Pitt has struggled on defense at times they still should be able impose their will. The Panthers offense has plenty of firepower to come away with a commanding win.
Final: Pitt-100 Cornell-75
Kent State Preview:
Keys-
1.Win in the Paint
The Golden Flashes have a powerful frontcourt duo, Chris Ortiz and Khaliq Spicer. Both of them average just around nine rebounds and nine points per game. Anytime two players are close to putting up a double double every game it is dangerous. Michael Young and Alonzo Nelson-Ododa will need to protect the paint.
2.Don’t Let Kellon Thomas Get Going
Thomas is the best and most efficient scorer that Kent State has on their team. On the year he averages over two more three-point attempts per game than anyone else on the team. Slowing him down will force their offense to be more one-dimensional. Anytime an offense is forced to be predictable the defense has a big advantage.
1.Put Up points
Kent State’s offense has seen its’ fair share of struggles so far. Even though their first three games were not against stellar opponents they have yet to score over 80 points in a game. Pitt’s offense on the other hand has been its’ biggest strength. If the Panthers force the Golden Flashes to play catch up it is unlikely the upset occurs.
Match-Up to Watch
Jamel Artis vs. Jimmy Hall
This is the battle of the small forwards. Artis has yet to hit his stride this season, but this is a game where they will need him to show up. On the year Hall has averaged 16 points per game, while Artis is at just 10.5 points per game. Artis playing to his ability will all but ensure a win.
Prediction-
Kent State does not have the offensive ability to keep up with the Panthers. Pitt will be able to take a solid lead that the Golden Flashes cannot comeback against. By this time next week the Panthers should be 4-0 with a critical match-up versus Purdue on the agenda.
Final: Pitt-78 Kent State-62