After an 8 day layoff, Pitt returned to the hardwood and was taken to the toolshed with a 71-66 home loss to Florida State tonight at the Peterson Events Center in Pittsburgh.
Pitt basically allowed 3 Seminoles to beat them on this night. Starting with forward Okara White (22 points) as well as guards Ian Miller (19 points) and Aaron Thomas (14 points). But more impressively, Florida State (16-11 overall and 7-8 in the ACC) shot a blistering 81% from the line (27-31) and led at half 37-31.
The Panthers (20-7 overall and 8-6 in the ACC) lost its 3rd straight game. Pitt was led by Lamar Patterson, who scored 22 points on 8 for 21 shooting but 9 of those points came in the waning, meaningless moments of the game on wide-open three point shots.
No other Panther scored in double-digits. Pitt looked listless on offense and broke down several times during the game defensively.
Pitt now faces must-win games at Boston College, Clemson and Notre Dame as well as its final home game against NC State to have any tourney hopes.
Next up: Pitt at Boston College, Wed 2/26 at 8pm EST.