Last season the Panthers were far from road warriors in the ACC, finishing 2-7 on the season. Ultimately that poor play directly lead to Pitt missing the NCAA Tournament for the second time in four years. The worst of it came at the very end of the schedule when they were fighting for a spot in the big dance, but lost two costly away games against Wake Forest and Florida State. If Dixon expects this team to make any significant play for the NCAA Tournament winning on the road this season is critical. Here are the top five ACC road games to look forward this season.
5.Syracuse Orange 2/20/16 2:00 PM
The ‘Cuse are long time rivals with Pitt and have produced some instant classics in recent memory. It seems no matter what rank either team is, it feels like a heavy weight matchup. This game comes at the end of Pitt’s ACC schedule and will be one of those tough February fights that true tournament teams must win. What will add even more fuel to this rivalry fire is the fact that the Panthers swept the Orange in their two matchups last season. Look forward to tuning to yet another battle waiting to happen.
4.Miami Hurricanes 2/09/16 7:00 PM
The Canes received several votes to be in the preseason top 25 and rightfully so. Last season the Hurricanes had one of the biggest wins of the season going into Cameron Indoor Stadium and coming out with a win. What makes that win even more impressive was that Duke went on to win the title. Miami’s season did not stop there, as they would eventually go on to lose in the championship round of the NIT. Now with key pieces returning and confidence after beating Pitt at the Pete a year ago this game will be as tough as any road game on the schedule.
3.#18 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 1/09/16 4:00 PM
Another Big East Rival showing up in ACC conference play. Notre Dame may be known as a football school, but do not tell that to their basketball team. Last year they were a consistent top 10 team and even took then undefeated Kentucky down to the wire in the elite eight. This team has lost several key players from a year ago, however they still are a top 20 team in the preseason polls. To add another level of intrigue to this matchup, Pitt upset ND at home a year ago. So look for the Fighting Irish to try and avenge that loss.
2.Louisville Cardinals 1/14/16 9:00 PM
The trend of Big East to ACC rivalry continues on in this spot. Some may wonder why this game is above Notre Dame, even though Louisville is not ranked. The first reason is that this game is in prime time and the second is simply put Louisville owned Pitt last year. In the two meetings neither was too close, Dixon’s squad was able to make the second somewhat interesting until the Cardinals ran away with it. If Pitt wants to make it back to March madness getting over the Louisville hill it failed to do a year ago is necessary.
1.#2 North Carolina Tar Heels 02/14/16 1:00 PM
This is the obvious choice for the number one spot on this list. A win at Chapel Hill would do wonders for Pitt as they strive to make in the NCAA Tournament field. As well, at the time of this game it is very possible UNC is the number one team in the country and defeating the nation’s best would be a memory of a lifetime. It will be extremely hard, especially since Pitt will not sneak up on them. Last season Pitt shot the lights out of the gym to pull off the upset. As well, two years ago in the ACC Tournament Pitt again had their number. Roy Williams and company will be more than ready for this matchup.