There have been a few games in the last month that were deemed "the most important game of the season," but I think today probably takes the cake (at least to this point). I don't think a loss completely kills Pitt's Tournament chances, but they get closer to life support, for sure, and losing at UNC tonight will put even more pressure on winning out or at least getting some big wins down the stretch (and there's already pressure to do that, thanks to the Virginia game).
That said, in your view, is there a range of acceptable outcomes for today's game? Or is it win or lose with no in-between?
I mean, obviously there's no in-between in terms of the game's result. But if Pitt loses while playing well and addressing a lot of the concerns that have popped up in the last month - better rebounding, better defense, better ball movement, better effort, better decision-making, to name a few - could that ease the pain at least a little bit? I'm not advocating for moral victories and won't claim one today, regardless of outcome. But how are you viewing this? If Pitt looks better but falls just short of the win, will you take some encouragement for their chances in the final eight games?
I'm not really pushing one side or the other on this. I'm just curious if this game feels like all or nothing, or if there's some wiggle room?
That said, in your view, is there a range of acceptable outcomes for today's game? Or is it win or lose with no in-between?
I mean, obviously there's no in-between in terms of the game's result. But if Pitt loses while playing well and addressing a lot of the concerns that have popped up in the last month - better rebounding, better defense, better ball movement, better effort, better decision-making, to name a few - could that ease the pain at least a little bit? I'm not advocating for moral victories and won't claim one today, regardless of outcome. But how are you viewing this? If Pitt looks better but falls just short of the win, will you take some encouragement for their chances in the final eight games?
I'm not really pushing one side or the other on this. I'm just curious if this game feels like all or nothing, or if there's some wiggle room?
