179 thoughts on “Virginia at Pitt Basketball Game Thread”

  1. UVA a very deliberate offense and solid defense will attempt to slow Pitt down and make Pitt play at their pace. If Pitt can avoid the usual slow start and jump in front early, they’ll make UVA play at Pitt’s pace. Pitt a 6.5 underdog. I love Pitt tonight!!

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  7. So we will see how Pitt has progressed on stopping the pick and roll. A huge problem earlier in the year.

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  25. Not looking good. No one is hitting 3s and the turnovers keep coming. No offensive boards…

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  32. These Talking Heads are all so ridiculous….to expect Burton to have 31 points EVERY game.

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  33. Diaz Graham is just not ready for prime time. No presence under the rim and too many turnovers. He really needs some off season strength program.

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  34. Suffocating defense and they only take open shots, hard to beat. Panthers forcing it too often.

    Need to work for open threes.
    Fede on the bench hurt.
    I don’t remember an offensive rebound

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  39. Whatever is happening with Hugley it’s a a shame he’s not able to play. His presence in the middle could open up perimeter.

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  41. Only down 9 and w the ball is amazing. If I couldn’t see the scoreboard, I’d think we were down 27!!

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    1. He just had a basket and then a great pass to Burton for the lay-in. Plus he has 7 rebounds to lead Pitt

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  50. —Pitt looks like an alumni team – these guys have been around the block.

    —Tough to come all the way back from being so far down – and then sustain it…

    Go Pitt.

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  70. WOWSER!! I’m not tuning in again until halftime. Great student turnout !! What a comeback. 43 second half points.

    All that stuff UVA does looks cute for a while but they don’t score a lot of points! H2P

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  75. Hell-uva second half.
    Big, big win.
    The ACC has been put on notice.
    Pitt is back.

    House divided here – I have a whole slew of Cavaliers in my family. I MIGHT be the only
    Pitt BB fan…youngest daughter went to both schools and I think she has abandoned me – BF is a Cav. SMH.

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  78. The Cadavers were just Number 2 in the country a couple weeks ago.
    So Pitt should be ranked next week after beating the Holes & the Cadavers !

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  79. —Gotta love it when two of your starters (Burton and Elliot) combine to go 6 for 21 – and you still find a way to win.

    —Cummings did a pretty good imitation of a point-guard tonight — 8 assists and 0 turnovers.

    Go Pitt.

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    2. Burton had 5 of those 6 baskets. not quite right to lump him in with the 1 for 7 shooting Elliot. Cause you could have picked any other Panther player & combine him with
      Burton…..to do the same thing.
      The Line on Freddy Freddy… 8/11/2 and for a big man…only 1 turnover.
      they might as well redshirt Hugely.

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  81. That’s 2 straight wins against ranked teams while not hitting 3’s like they can. Let’s hope the 3’s fall on Saturday.

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  82. Just got home and still don’t believe what I just saw. This team was down 14 points three times. Amazing how they turn it on when needed. Sibande is such an energy guy.
    What a difference making foul shots makes.

    H2P!!!!!!!

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  84. That was almost as much fun as the Dixon years.

    Not a big crowd but very loud.

    Pregame moment of silence for the shooting victims at UVA.
    Then a video tribute to Damar during a time out.

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  85. Excellent atmosphere at The Pete considering the students remain on break.
    Great win against a team that can frustrate an offense.
    Had to leave the game early but listening to Billy on the drive home was priceless.
    Already fired up for Saturday…students still on break but hoping for a good crowd to support this team!!

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  86. Biggest improvements:
    Good shooters
    Depth
    Good defense
    No selfish players

    Great job recruiting and coaching by Jeff Capel.

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  87. The Virginia team is really good. Their defense is reminscent of the old Georgetown teams, they get away with a lot. The Pitt team’s defensive lapses and offensive miscues in the first half almost completely disappeared in the second half. The easy buckets that VA was getting were taken away.

    Sure was fun to watch. There were consecutive offensive miscues down the stretch when I thought it would slip away, a Sibande attempted dunk (man can he get up) and Fede tripping on I believe Burton who was on the floor missing an easy layup. Also Elliot who was cols all night missing a three that would have put the game away, but Pitt’s defense was relentless and foul shooting was perfection.

    Hard not to start to believe.

    H2P!

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  88. The box score is telling, Pitt almost doubled its offensive output in the second half while holding VA to one less point. Nike Sibande again a big difference maker, making 3 of 4 3’s, adding energy, a beautiful slam and great defense. Hinson is money, what a find by Capel, but everyone contributes on this team and has the ability to lead. Already going to miss these seniors.

    Pitt made 15 of seventeen free throws.

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  90. I cannot believe the turnaround this team has made. It’s almost like a dream. The second half of both of these last two games has shown that this team can play with at least anyone in the ACC if not the top teams in the country. The games have also shown Capel’s ability to make halftime adjustments. The team really responds to him. I cannot give him enough credit.

    Tip of the cap to Coach Dan72 for recognizing how good this team could be months ago when I was ready to run Capel out on a rail.

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  92. Great free throw shooting from a Pitt team….who would have thunk it?? The term “team chemistry” is often used to describe why players win or lose and in the recent past “team chemistry” has been blamed for poor performance. It is well known that Coach Capel has had some serious locker room problems with talented teams that just could not mesh on or off the floor. Our team this year clearly enjoys playing together and the fun of playing good, hard basketball has returned to The Pete. We will obviously face some very stiff competition in the ACC….but this team WILL NOT QUIT! H2P!!!

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  93. It is also amazing that they are doing this without Hugley or Johnson. Fede, Cummings, Burton and Sibande have filled those roles very nicely.

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  94. UVA’s 7’1” senior center has averaged about 2 points and 2 rebounds per game over his four year career there. A surprising non-factor for such a strong program.

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  95. Five major differences in this team and former Capel squads, Maturity, 3 pt shooting, free throw shooting, willing to play defense, not selfish. And they want to be here.

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  97. Has Hugley played in 4 games? I think 4 games is the cutoff for redshirt. I feel like he’s played in more but I could be wrong.

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  99. Hugely played this season and can’t be red shirted. Unless Pitt goes after a medical exemption for him. A post on Lair said he indicated he will play Saturday. Not sure how legitimate that information is however. I guess we will have to wait and see come Saturday.

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  100. It was obvious Hugley was extremely out of shape. Since Pitt is playing very well they have the luxury of letting him condition himself. Remember Pitt started 1-3, so there was some urgency for him to come back. That’s been negated by team chemistry and the team gelling. Pitt can afford to bring Hugley back slowly, now. He was more of a liability than an asset in those couple weeks he joined the team. Ideally, he’s back in shape and doesn’t affect the floor energy. But, if he comes back and can play within this current team dynamic, Pitt goes up another level.

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  101. If Hugley can get well enough to spell Fede it would be a big plus. Graham Diaz is a work in progress, getting better but not there yet. Hugley doesn’t have to be the player he was last year to be a plus to this team, but some offensive rebounds and second chances would be huge. Also Federiko is likely to get in more foull trouble without an adequate back-up.

    I heard some of Hugley’s issues may be mental in overcoming the physical limitations and not being able to do what he is used to. Hopefully he embraces whatever his new role is on this team. it would be a major plus if he comes back.

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  102. I’m asking because I don’t know. Can a medical redshirt be awarded prior to using up all eligibility? Or am I having a brain cramp right now?

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  104. If and when Hugely comes back he will be limited in playing time until he proves that he is in shape to face the excellent competition of ACC caliber players.

    Our Canary Island twins absolutely MUST put on weight and muscle in order to seriously contribute to our program. Their talent is obvious; however, they are a full year away from being capable of handling the physical requirements to compete….2 twigs in a forest of Sequioa Trees.

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    1. I agree, but I haven’t seen them gaining any weight yet. Get these guys to the training table and the weight room!

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  105. Ike, I think I recall a case where a Senior player was given an extra year because of a medical exemption for an injury that occurred in the Freshman or Sophomore year. But the NCAA has been making changes such as the COVID year, so who knows?

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  106. What to know. We are not ranked and not in the latest ESPN Bracketology. The Pitt media office is on vacation.

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    1. Only three ranked ACC teams and no team with 4 losses in the top 25.
      Pitt just needs to keep winning.

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    2. They change that Bracketology weekly and we just won last night. If we win on Saturday we will be in IMO. They can’t complain about our RPI this season either like they always have under Dixon. No excuses for them now…

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  107. With the Covid year, Pitt and/or Hugley don’t have to worry about redshirts. Hugley is not a guy to play to 5 years at Pitt. I’m sure he’d go professional (likely overseas) before exhausting all of his eligibility. No substance behind that statement. Just a hunch.

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    1. He’s out of shape coming off an injury. I didn’t say this year. Just that I doubt an extra season of eligibility means much to him or Capel. Hell, he may have lost to his job to FF and transfer out.

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  109. Hugely’s only chance at professional BB is to play a full season and show improvement over last year. This year is a total write off for him.

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    1. Big John slides into the 4 spot with Hinson moving to the 3 and Elliot out of a starting spot.

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      1. Don’t seee that happening. Guards that make threes are the key. Elliott has been cold but he will be back.

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  110. Good article here. Looks like Virginia gave up their defense that kept Pitt from going to the basket because we started hitting 3’s. It opened up our inside game. I think the story of Pitt’s resurgence this season is their knack for hitting 3’s. The last couple years they just let us put up bricks while guarding the inside.

    Looks like we’re back to the Dixon era of optimism wondering where we will be seeded in the Tournament….not ‘if’. My hope going in to the season was an NIT bid. Who here is left hoping for that now?

    I know a lot can happen like injuries, but this team is improving and is buying into the team system, so I don’t see a big drop off. I just hope these guys don’t get ranked and get big heads and start losing to ‘lesser’ ACC opponents.

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaabk/pittsburgh-rallies-past-no-11-virginia-68-65/ar-AA15WO3b

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  111. Hugley can take his resume before this season to any league in Europe and get a job tomorrow.

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  112. I’d agree except they beat UNC without the 3 ball. They’re showing an ability to find ways to win. It’s been fun to watch. The 3 certainly helps, obviously. But the 3 didn’t win the game against UNC.

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  113. I heard someone say that Coach Capel is telling them to “Stay humble and stay hungry.”

    Good advice from the coach.

    And I saw where we had no turnovers in the second half. That’s pretty amazing….

    Go Pitt.

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  115. Pretty sure redshirt limit is 10 games, think JH played 9

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  116. Someone totally gave up on us around 9 -10 pm and never returned and must have missed the incredible comeback !! – I thought PittPov is for TRUE Pitt Fans?

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    1. I know I gave up – Mrs. Erie had a critical medical screening at 8am this morning.

      The poor shooting in the first half warranted my choice to sleep vs watching the come back. I did sign-off by saying “I hope yinz witness a mighty comeback” – and yinz did.

      Ranked in the 60’s and February not far away, it is hard for me to get too excited.

      Enjoy whatever makes yinz happy…as long as it’s legal or you don’t get caught.

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  119. Saw where Nate Peterman is getting a start this week for the Bears…

    I was surprised he’s still hanging around in the league. Good for Nate.

    Go Pitt.

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  122. Not to put a complete damper on things however…in Capel’s first year Pitt was 11-4 on Jan 9th. In Capel’s 2nd year Pitt was 11-4 on Jan 8th after beating UNC in NC.

    Pitt is again 11-4 in early January….will the 3rd time be the charm ??

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    1. Hopefully the difference is that those teams relied on big games from one or two players. This team is deep and has a number that can carry the day. Also much more maturity, but time will tell.

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    3. Freddy, good research…. Pitt-cocks man might recruit you to assist him!

      I sure am enjoying the lively banter on here that goes along with winning. Hope the Panthers keep rolling!!!

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  125. I think this team has staying power plus the ability to rescind Diors Redshirt at any time. Capel’s teams have shown that they are yearly slow starters and game very slow starters.

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  129. Dookies looked like a HS team tonite.
    Duke loses 84-60 to NC State, its largest-ever defeat to an unranked ACC opponent.
    And it wasn’t close from the get-go.
    NC State had a 15-0 lead, then 20-2, that then became 44-22 at halftime.
    Dookies never made a run in the 2nd, lead got as high as 29 pts with 2 minutes to go.
    What a beat down ! ACC is wide Open for the taking !

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  130. Like

  134. Duquesne beats VCU 79-70 tonight.

    Pitt lost to VCU in the 3rd week of November.

    Both Pittsburgh teams having decent seasons – no city game waters down BB interest in the burg.

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  136. —Looking at the committed Pitt BB recruits, anyone know who is paying them… 😊

    —Did Pitt really score 45 second-half points against UVA…

    —The twins are going to be fun to watch develop – assuming they stick around…

    Go Pitt.

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  137. I think this season shows the value of experience. Capel’s biggest issues to date can be chalked up to a lack of maturity. He hasn’t had vets who had “been there done that” and could pass their knowledge to the younger guys. The result has been younger guys not knowing or understanding how to act when times get tough. This has lead to guys transferring at an alarming rate and chemistry issues. Both on court and in the locker room … A lack of a voice of reason (VOR shout out). This team is full of vets and a ton of combined playing experience. And it shows. Most have played for fairly decent coaches and it shows. Dior, Hugley, Jeffress, watching and learning may reap huge rewards next season if they don’t leave. All three have red flags. Hugley and Jeffress didn’t have vets to show them how to do it. They had to learn on the fly. Putting up stats like Hugley has and doing it with a winning brand if basketball are two different things. Dior obviously needs a stabilizing presence in his life. Outside of Duke and UK, not many teams rely on one and done’s. Not UNC, UVA, Villanova … it’s hard to do without player leadership. Coaches are important but you need vets saying “no, coach is right. You have to listen to him”.

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  139. Jackagain – Jamie’s got some players – from Fan Nation (Baylor):

    No. 19 Baylor men’s basketball (10-4, 0-2) lost to No. 17 TCU (13-1, 2-0) in the Bears’ first home conference game of the season, as Horned Frog guard Mike Miles Jr (33 points) outdueled Keyonte George (27 points).

    TCU F Chuck O’Bannon Jr drained the game winning 3-pt shot.

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    1. easy to criticize and even blame the “leader” that wasn’t even more now

      that was a great listen

      I still know Nick breaks, but if not what might have been?

      gotta think if one play changes which could be going for 2 v Tenn(if converted), this season likely is Nick’s

      nobody was going to be able to fill the shoes of KP but seems Slowvis wasn’t even close

      in his defense, probably nobody really could and unfortunately the Duzz imo made the wrong choice and commitment

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  141. Jamie’s TCU Frogs first 3 games this year include:

    a 1 point win over ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF who are now 4-11 and 10th in SWAC

    and

    a 1 point loss to NORTHWESTERN STATE who are now 8-6 and currently 6th in Southland

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  142. Maybe HCPN needs to learn something from Tomlin. When Tomlin is asked about practice he’ll say something like player x was good in practice but how will he do in a stadium. Point being great in practice doesn’t always mean great on game day.

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  144. One thing that may not have been mentioned is the passing skills on this team. On all other Capel teams there were many poor passes and unforced errors. No turnovers in the second half is amazing.

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    1. they started this year extremely poor passing, it remained with Hugely while everyone else improved dramatically

      it was even poor with Cummings and terrible with Burton, both of whom should be decent but maybe the Dior situation stunted their early season readiness

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