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Louisville Game & Other Dribbles ...

I agree. Overturn obvious missed calls and keep the game flowing.

By the way, I wonder how many people today are too young to understand your "Zapruder film" reference? :p
I mean, I wasn't born then either....but that is a part of our nation's history. I would hope most people understood the reference. Just like the Ford Theatre where Lincoln was shot. I wasn't there. LOL
 
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** 23 in a row was far too many.

** 33, including the driving, winning 2, from #2 made sure it wasn't 24.

** I started with numbers, but will follow with emotions. There have been many, many bigger, and much, much more impressive wins by the Panthers at the Pete. But not too many felt quite as good as this one.

** And I can’t quite remember the last time I was this exhausted walking down Cardiac Hill to my car.

** This game deserves such a thorough breakdown, and I know it will be hard to do it justice. But the reality is that our Panthers really should have won this one comfortably. If it wasn’t for a ridiculous performance at the foul line, they almost certainly would have.

** But for this night, it’s equally ridiculous to dwell on anything the Panthers didn’t do well, regardless if we won by 3 or 30.

** Of all the things that were impressive about this game, perhaps what was most pleasing was the significant improvement in the key teamwork aspects that cursed them against the Tar Heels just four days ago.

** A case could be made that the Panthers won this game with a tremendous first half defensive performance, holding the Cards to 31% shooting and forcing 10 turnovers.

** In this half, defensive pressure and rotations off the ball made all of the difference.

** It was inevitable that we couldn’t defend the Cards the same way in the second half. Foul attrition and depth were as much a culprit as anything.

** There are times when an opponent just can’t be stopped, and it’s during those times, the only way to deal with it is to keep scoring. That’s what the Panthers were able to do in the second half.

** Another huge difference from the UNC game was the Panthers ability create offense with the dribble drive, instead of an often futile fling at the hoop.

** As evidence, when the Cards cut the Panther lead to 3 points with 8 minutes to go, there were six assists on the Panther final eight field goals, with the only exceptions being Xavier’s two 3’s. That’s moving the ball when it matters.

** And speaking about playing when it matters, Terrell Brown scored all 11 of his points in the second half, including 9 in a brilliant four minute stretch. This is exactly the extra gear we’ve been hoping to see from the Big Fella, and a huge congrats to him for an absolute winning effort in the second half.

** An under-the-radar amazing performance was rung up by Xavier in the second half and overtime, when he was able to stay on the floor for all 25 minutes without a single foul, after picking up 3 in the first half. Of course, in that same time frame, he scored 17 with 7 assists. Simply brilliant!

** In this game, everyone deserves mention because everyone’s contributions mattered. This included a big three by Kham, some tough catch and finishes by Kene, a game ending rebound while playing the five by Malik, fiestly defense from Au’Diese, and timely shooting to fuel the fire by Jared.

** All of this leads back to the historic night by Trey. Of all of the contributions Trey made, perhaps the most important was the confidence he provided that was able to charge up each of his teammates.

** While we were marveling at shot after shot Trey put through the hoop, just as critical was the work he did on the other end. A point of note I found especially pleasing was his tremendous quickness guarding the 2-3 zone, when he was able to slide to help at the foul but them shoot out to guard the deep three shooter.

** Also noteworthy was the simple math of how he followed up an unconscious first half of scoring with a very efficient offensive second half.

** But of all things Trey did this day, it was something that didn’t happen in the game that I may have liked most of all. When the Panthers came out for second have warm ups, instead of taking the typical lay ins in the layup line, Trey would dribble to the foul line a take a foul shot. He took several more foul shots before retiring to the huddle. So in other words, after scoring 20, he was concerned most with the one thing he didn’t do well.

** What must also be said about Trey, and all of our Panthers really, is that each every ounce of energy was left of the court.

** Let’s close the night with a deeply enthusiastic congratulations to Coach Capel for his first ACC win with the Panthers. He pushed so many of the right buttons in this single game, of course. But the bigger picture is that we got a much better look at what Jeff Capel Ball looks like tonight. And to me, Jeff Capel Ball looks pretty darned good!

** On other days, we can talk about what this game means for our Panther’s prospects for the reminder of the season. On this night, I’m simply and extraordinary thrilled that the Panthers are 1-0 in League play over the last 24 hours.

** Great Job Men, and THANK YOU for providing your fans with this great night!
Good stuff as usual, DT!

Game was played with heart and tenacity. We got a game that I believed would be very hard for us to get. And, although I have believed in this team from the first time I saw them, I was really worried about our first 9 ACC games. Getting this one will really help and I still believe that we can get at least 5 more.

See you Monday, I'll be in for the game.
 
Pitt will face 2 types of teams this year; Teams who can keep their guards in front of Pitts and teams who can't. Hopefully Bryce enjoyed his visit I've heard he will be better than Trey
Most teams can't keep our guards in front of them. The key is learning to play better against the zone. If we do that, then we can be tough to beat!
 
Most teams can't keep our guards in front of them. The key is learning to play better against the zone. If we do that, then we can be tough to beat!

Very true. Also because of the quality depth issues Pitt has a slimmer margin for error than a lot of other teams.

They can’t afford for some guys to just be nonexistent in terms of production like vs UNC. Because they don’t have the bench strength to pick up the slack. Frame & Brown did just enough to make a difference last night. Even Davis’s lone 3 helped out in terms of the result.
 
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Most teams can't keep our guards in front of them. The key is learning to play better against the zone. If we do that, then we can be tough to beat!

Terrell Brown is a key going forward. He is raw, but he is not Gary McGhee raw. McGhee had that brute force and willed and worked himself into being a more than competent rebounder/defender. Brown is raw, but he has some skills. If he can start making 10 footers and catching the ball keeping it high and finishing around the rim, he will make it easier for the guards to operate.
I also would like to see Toney work the baseline more, not just rely on the perimeter.
 
Speaking of calls, I though the VIlle defender slid a bit on the last drive by McGowans and should have been called for blocking. Potentially dangerous play because his arm essentially resulting in Trey being off balance and falling to the floor

 
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Thought Capel did a very good job last night. With a lack of depth and some very serious foul trouble he both coached and coaxed a win from his guys.

The 2-3 zone at times helped. He used it somewhat judiciously but it was certainly effective at times.

But the tactical move I thought was brilliant was going to the half court traps and also some 3/4 court pressure at times after scores or dead balls.

The Cards were going with a lot of speed dribble quick hitters even after in bound plays and that pressure seemed to bother them and slow them down some. Just thought the change of pace was a good move that benefitted Pitt and helped them to earn the win.

Totally agree. The 2-3 zone and traps led to several turnovers and points. He called them at just the right times and in just the right amounts. You have to give credit to him; not only does he get kids to play extremely hard, he does the little things to put them in a position to succeed. I have been extremely impressed with his in-game coaching so far.
 
Totally agree. The 2-3 zone and traps led to several turnovers and points. He called them at just the right times and in just the right amounts. You have to give credit to him; not only does he get kids to play extremely hard, he does the little things to put them in a position to succeed. I have been extremely impressed with his in-game coaching so far.

He’s really got limited options right now, especially with N’dir out. Add in the early foul trouble for key players. So I give him a lot of credit for his personnel management and defensive strategy & tactical decisions last night.

Ville had depth & size advantages. Lots of talent, too. Things could have unraveled on a few occasions last night. But he - and his players - navigated the through the storm.
 
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Terrell Brown is a key going forward. He is raw, but he is not Gary McGhee raw. McGhee had that brute force and willed and worked himself into being a more than competent rebounder/defender. Brown is raw, but he has some skills. If he can start making 10 footers and catching the ball keeping it high and finishing around the rim, he will make it easier for the guards to operate.
I also would like to see Toney work the baseline more, not just rely on the perimeter.


Interesting comparison. McGhee had no offensive skills per se....BUT, he could
rebound and put it back up. This was basically all he could do offensively. If
you can get offensive rebounds and put it back up, or get it out to your
shooters, you're a valuable offensive asset. On the D end McGhee
was a beast.
Brown's offensive skills surpass McGhee's as does his shot blocking.
Now if he were only as strong and had his motor......well maybe in time.
 
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