DAYTON, Oh. - The build up to Pitt’s First Four showdown with Mississippi State was all about the playing status of starting center Federiko Federiko. The 6’11” sophomore was deemed a ‘game time’ decision by Jeff Capel on Monday.
The Panthers knew they would be up against on Tuesday against Mississippi State and star big man Tolu Smith with or without Federiko in the lineup. The 6’11” senior was an All-SEC first team selection this year, but not having Federiko to combat Smith inside was certainly going to create a mismatch.
It also created an opportunity for an unlikely hero making his NCAA Tournament debut.
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The Panthers knew they would be up against on Tuesday against Mississippi State and star big man Tolu Smith with or without Federiko in the lineup. The 6’11” senior was an All-SEC first team selection this year, but not having Federiko to combat Smith inside was certainly going to create a mismatch.
It also created an opportunity for an unlikely hero making his NCAA Tournament debut.
Diaz Graham shines as an unlikely hero in Pitt's win over Mississippi State
Guillermo Diaz Graham stars as an unlikely hero in his NCAA Tournament debut.
