I know we look forward to DT's dribbles, and I usually hesitate to post comments after a game, but I feel compelled to this time.
1) It was a good effort (for most of game) and one that 'teased' our desire to beat a big-time opponent. For 32 minutes, this team played with a confidence and will to win. But, the last 8 minutes just deflated the team. This team just doesn't have the resolve that some of Pitt's past teams did. I think it's mental toughness, but confidence and past results comes into play in these kinds of games, and wears on a team mentally when adversity hits.
2) Luther was a man. He seems to have a good feel and intelligence for the game, and is getting better everyday. He should be the lift that the team needs at this time of year, but the Panthers need to beat a good team to get that swagger needed in these games for that impact.
3) Young is struggling. You can see frustration in his face, and despite fighting it off, he needs a confidence booster. Going 0-4 at the FT line says all.
4) We absolutely need Jeter to step up. Fouls are setting his PT and game back. I think he has the most 'athleticism' on the team, and he provides that spark of energy, when he is going good. With him, Luther, and then Young and Artis being productive, our front court can be real good offensively. Undersized defensively, but a tough matchup for opponents.
5) I know some are blaming Jamie for the loss. But, give credit to Louisville. They were clutch. They made what? the last 8 or 9 shots and their FTs down the stretch. Our defensive might have let us down some, but they made big shots, including some 3s. They just looked 'driven' when the game was on the line. Kudos to Pitino and their resolve, when they were undermanned with numbers and could have gotten blown out if Pitt would have taken advantage of opportunities. Their lack of pressing showed a short bench, but they made it work at the end with clutch play.
6) I think Pitt is a tournament team. Despite 0-6 against ranked teams, they still are in the middle of a tough conference and have a good RPI. For those of us that follow daily scores, it is obvious that the bubble is fluid, and good teams are losing too. I think Pitt is better than many of the bubble teams, and only have one 'bad' loss. I realize spots will go to non-Power 5 teams, but there is room for extras from the power conferences. I can see at least 7 from the ACC making it, and Louisville doesn't qualify. Let's hope Pitt can win a few more to brighten their resume at the end.
1) It was a good effort (for most of game) and one that 'teased' our desire to beat a big-time opponent. For 32 minutes, this team played with a confidence and will to win. But, the last 8 minutes just deflated the team. This team just doesn't have the resolve that some of Pitt's past teams did. I think it's mental toughness, but confidence and past results comes into play in these kinds of games, and wears on a team mentally when adversity hits.
2) Luther was a man. He seems to have a good feel and intelligence for the game, and is getting better everyday. He should be the lift that the team needs at this time of year, but the Panthers need to beat a good team to get that swagger needed in these games for that impact.
3) Young is struggling. You can see frustration in his face, and despite fighting it off, he needs a confidence booster. Going 0-4 at the FT line says all.
4) We absolutely need Jeter to step up. Fouls are setting his PT and game back. I think he has the most 'athleticism' on the team, and he provides that spark of energy, when he is going good. With him, Luther, and then Young and Artis being productive, our front court can be real good offensively. Undersized defensively, but a tough matchup for opponents.
5) I know some are blaming Jamie for the loss. But, give credit to Louisville. They were clutch. They made what? the last 8 or 9 shots and their FTs down the stretch. Our defensive might have let us down some, but they made big shots, including some 3s. They just looked 'driven' when the game was on the line. Kudos to Pitino and their resolve, when they were undermanned with numbers and could have gotten blown out if Pitt would have taken advantage of opportunities. Their lack of pressing showed a short bench, but they made it work at the end with clutch play.
6) I think Pitt is a tournament team. Despite 0-6 against ranked teams, they still are in the middle of a tough conference and have a good RPI. For those of us that follow daily scores, it is obvious that the bubble is fluid, and good teams are losing too. I think Pitt is better than many of the bubble teams, and only have one 'bad' loss. I realize spots will go to non-Power 5 teams, but there is room for extras from the power conferences. I can see at least 7 from the ACC making it, and Louisville doesn't qualify. Let's hope Pitt can win a few more to brighten their resume at the end.
