I always say this - but I believe a team plays about three games way above their ability, three way below, and then the balance of the games are who the team actually is. This is just one of those where they didn't show up. I thought there was a chance of this given the circumstances and the style factor, but I figured they would find a way against a 2-16 team with zero depth.
The free throw line alone basically just tells us that it wasn't their night. I don't think you can just completely write it off and not care about it, but I think we can take a reasonable approach here. It was a tough night where a lot of things went wrong but it also exposed some of the issues we know this team has. Going into this one, we knew it was a terrible matchup style wise. Specifically, because it made Federiko basically unplayable. When Pitt plays a team with a traditional center, they are in great shape because Federiko is perfect for that. When it is an opponent like tonight with a face up forward or center, it becomes very difficult. Pitt does not take advantage on the offensive end with him, so it leaves it a mismatch. He did get a few easy dunks, but there were just so many rotational issues and problems due to him being in space.
There were a lot of tough moments that really sent the game out of control. When I mentioned guys toning it down and not crossing the line, this is kind of what I was referring to. Now, if the Hinson technical was actually for swearing, well that is ridiculous. I thought they caught him for posing in front of the Notre Dame bench and going to the motion and verbal stuff. We have seen that type of action called for years now and they don't let you get away with much at all now. That technical really changed momentum. I'm not blaming him or saying that was the game, but he has to tone it down and play within this team. Didn't see what happened after the game but he seemed to be involved with some type of incident. Hopefully it was nothing and the ACC does not review it for potential penalty. No idea what happened but it was clearly something and teammates and staff were pulling him back. You can play with energy and edge without hurting your team. We all know that he can make shots from anywhere and is one of the most productive players on the team. Would just like to see him control that emotion. That goes to decision making off the bounce as well.
Thought the ridiculous call on the trap late near the baseline really hurt. It was still such a deficit that it was probably never going to happen, but that call was embarrassing. This team is so drawn to the officials though. All season. Constantly talking, chirping, pleading. They are always on the floor and anticipating calls. It just never looked right tonight. There was no energy and it was almost like they were timid.
The defense needs fixed asap. WAY too many easy rolls for a team that doesn't have much firepower. There were some better possessions late, but you cannot fall down that badly on the road. So many easy slips and simple rolls with no protection and ball pressure.
They deserve some credit for playing until the end and making it that close. But this one just needs packed away. The game certainly mattered to possibly earn an outright regular season championship, but it was always coming down to Miami. This team did not seem to love the pressure tonight, and now it is ratcheted up big time for this weekend.
Giving up 31 free throws to that offense while missing 16 of your own is not a great recipe. They easily left 20 points out there tonight from the line. If an opponent makes more threes than Pitt, I am not sure that is going to end well the rest of the way this year. Notre Dame's depth was never really tested until it was too late. That is a team that has five players available and the attack mode didn't really happen until after the fire drill offense.
Here is the key for everyone, it is not the end of the world. At Miami won't be easy but it is still all there for them. I think a shared regular season title would still be a welcomed accomplishment. That is on the table. They have the conference tournament. I just don't think it is worth worrying about the bubble and what people are saying. The entire season has built to this and they still control their own destiny. The Virginia win happened, the Northwestern win happened, UNC twice, the Syracuse game, etc. All of the highs and lows of this season happened and there is nothing that can take it away. It is what it is at this point and they have won 14 games in the ACC with a chance for more. There really is not much more you can ask for.
The timing was tough for this team tonight but it doesn't change my opinion or outlook for this team. They should still get into the tournament and I think they are a dangerous team due to their experienced guards and ability to go off from three in a single elimination tournament. Onto Saturday.
The free throw line alone basically just tells us that it wasn't their night. I don't think you can just completely write it off and not care about it, but I think we can take a reasonable approach here. It was a tough night where a lot of things went wrong but it also exposed some of the issues we know this team has. Going into this one, we knew it was a terrible matchup style wise. Specifically, because it made Federiko basically unplayable. When Pitt plays a team with a traditional center, they are in great shape because Federiko is perfect for that. When it is an opponent like tonight with a face up forward or center, it becomes very difficult. Pitt does not take advantage on the offensive end with him, so it leaves it a mismatch. He did get a few easy dunks, but there were just so many rotational issues and problems due to him being in space.
There were a lot of tough moments that really sent the game out of control. When I mentioned guys toning it down and not crossing the line, this is kind of what I was referring to. Now, if the Hinson technical was actually for swearing, well that is ridiculous. I thought they caught him for posing in front of the Notre Dame bench and going to the motion and verbal stuff. We have seen that type of action called for years now and they don't let you get away with much at all now. That technical really changed momentum. I'm not blaming him or saying that was the game, but he has to tone it down and play within this team. Didn't see what happened after the game but he seemed to be involved with some type of incident. Hopefully it was nothing and the ACC does not review it for potential penalty. No idea what happened but it was clearly something and teammates and staff were pulling him back. You can play with energy and edge without hurting your team. We all know that he can make shots from anywhere and is one of the most productive players on the team. Would just like to see him control that emotion. That goes to decision making off the bounce as well.
Thought the ridiculous call on the trap late near the baseline really hurt. It was still such a deficit that it was probably never going to happen, but that call was embarrassing. This team is so drawn to the officials though. All season. Constantly talking, chirping, pleading. They are always on the floor and anticipating calls. It just never looked right tonight. There was no energy and it was almost like they were timid.
The defense needs fixed asap. WAY too many easy rolls for a team that doesn't have much firepower. There were some better possessions late, but you cannot fall down that badly on the road. So many easy slips and simple rolls with no protection and ball pressure.
They deserve some credit for playing until the end and making it that close. But this one just needs packed away. The game certainly mattered to possibly earn an outright regular season championship, but it was always coming down to Miami. This team did not seem to love the pressure tonight, and now it is ratcheted up big time for this weekend.
Giving up 31 free throws to that offense while missing 16 of your own is not a great recipe. They easily left 20 points out there tonight from the line. If an opponent makes more threes than Pitt, I am not sure that is going to end well the rest of the way this year. Notre Dame's depth was never really tested until it was too late. That is a team that has five players available and the attack mode didn't really happen until after the fire drill offense.
Here is the key for everyone, it is not the end of the world. At Miami won't be easy but it is still all there for them. I think a shared regular season title would still be a welcomed accomplishment. That is on the table. They have the conference tournament. I just don't think it is worth worrying about the bubble and what people are saying. The entire season has built to this and they still control their own destiny. The Virginia win happened, the Northwestern win happened, UNC twice, the Syracuse game, etc. All of the highs and lows of this season happened and there is nothing that can take it away. It is what it is at this point and they have won 14 games in the ACC with a chance for more. There really is not much more you can ask for.
The timing was tough for this team tonight but it doesn't change my opinion or outlook for this team. They should still get into the tournament and I think they are a dangerous team due to their experienced guards and ability to go off from three in a single elimination tournament. Onto Saturday.
