...based on one bad loss is sort of dumb. We all know this, but since you are only as good as your last at bat, it's a natural response.
For many of the reasons already stated elsewhere, this game was primed for a loss. Pitino had his team thinking that they were playing for a championship and that their whole season depended on this game. That is the most energetic, physical defense that I have seen in a long time, and the referees compounded the effect of the defense by losing their whistles in their pockets. For whatever reason, not one Pitt player was ready to play at the speed and intensity that this game demanded. Perhaps they were surprised, then frustrated with the lack of calls, lack of room to pass and move, etc. But no adjustments were made. Not any that helped the team rally, anyway.
But does this mean anything for future games? I don't think it means much. That was a perfect storm, and we probably won't see those forces combine again. Certainly not like that.
We know that this team is capable of being very good. Nothing has changed there. We just know that the team will also lose games to really good teams. Nothing new or unexpected there, either. This team is not elite, simply very good. And when playing well, capable of winning almost any game.
For many of the reasons already stated elsewhere, this game was primed for a loss. Pitino had his team thinking that they were playing for a championship and that their whole season depended on this game. That is the most energetic, physical defense that I have seen in a long time, and the referees compounded the effect of the defense by losing their whistles in their pockets. For whatever reason, not one Pitt player was ready to play at the speed and intensity that this game demanded. Perhaps they were surprised, then frustrated with the lack of calls, lack of room to pass and move, etc. But no adjustments were made. Not any that helped the team rally, anyway.
But does this mean anything for future games? I don't think it means much. That was a perfect storm, and we probably won't see those forces combine again. Certainly not like that.
We know that this team is capable of being very good. Nothing has changed there. We just know that the team will also lose games to really good teams. Nothing new or unexpected there, either. This team is not elite, simply very good. And when playing well, capable of winning almost any game.
