Pitt Basketball’s Dynamic Duo Leads Team Over LSU: 3 Takeaways

Pitt basketball relied on its dynamic duo of Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett to roll past LSU and head to Greenbrier Tip-Off Championship.

The first half between the Panthers and Tigers started slow as just six points were scored heading into the first media timeout. It didn’t take Pitt long to wake up and went on an 11-6 run, but LSU clawed its way back and slowly got the game to within one possession. The Tigers tied it up on multiple occasions in the last 1:40 and only gained their first lead of the game on a free throw with seven seconds left in the half. LSU went into the break with a 28-27 lead.

Much like they’ve done on several occasions this season, Pitt went on a 13-0 run to start the second half and flip the game on its head. The Tigers needed almost seven minutes to score their first basket of the second half. LSU fought to within four points in a few instances as the second half progressed, but the Panthers were relentless. Pitt made sure the foot stayed on the gas and continued to produce on both ends on the floor, leading to a 74-63 victory.

Takeaway #1: Defense wins (Greenbrier) championship

When you see the Panthers forced 15 turnovers and only allow VMI to shoot 25% from the field, the reaction is “it’s just VMI.” When West Virginia only shoots 21% from three, it’s “WVU isn’t going to be good.” Those takes are quickly silenced after today’s performance against LSU.

Not only did Pitt limit LSU to shooting 24% from the field, Jeff Capel’s defense forced 15 turnovers. The Panthers put together their best defensive performance in one of the biggest games of the season to this point.

Defensive performances have been a huge question mark over the last few seasons, but this group is quickly showcasing that it can ball out on both ends of the floor. After Friday’s win against the Tigers, KenPom has the Panthers having the 14th-best defense in Division I college basketball. Capel won’t be completely satisfied until Pitt is at the top, but he certainly won’t be mad with where his team is currently positioned.

Takeaway #2: Discipline still has areas to improve

Capel has preached the idea of discipline within his team, especially defensively. There were signs of it against LSU, but there are a few areas where it can still improve. Foul trouble was a common theme amongst the Panthers.

Pitt had five players record 3+ fouls against the Tigers with Damian Dunn fouling out. Dunn played just 12 minutes in what was his worst game as a Panther. Jorge Diaz Graham was the only big who didn’t have at least three fouls. Even Lowe was one infraction away from fouling out.

Obviously, basketball is a physical game. Fouls are going to occur even when everything is going right. However, a team like Pitt can’t afford to rack up 20 fouls in one game. The Panthers got away with it against LSU, but it won’t fly against the best of the best that this group aspires to play against.

Takeaway #3: Free throws matter

Pitt came into Friday’s game against LSU shooting 73% from the foul line. That ranked 114th in college basketball which isn’t great, but it could be a lot better. Just ask Syracuse fans about the struggles on free throws (and then laugh).

"SU is shooting 61.1% from the free throw line. The Orange ranks 333rd in Division I in free throw percentage." #FreeThrowsMatter pic.twitter.com/caD9mLH0J0

— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) November 22, 2024

The Panthers took a step in the right direction against the Tigers by shooting 19-22 (86.4%) from the charity stripe. The team percentage increases to 75.6% which continues to trend in the right direction. Any college basketball coach will tell you games are won and lost on free throws, rebounds, and turnovers. Pitt needs to continue to have strong performances at the foul line, as it did against LSU, to help close out games as soon as possible.

Next Game for Pitt (6-0): vs. Wisconsin (6-0) – Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. EST (Greenbrier Championship)

Next Game for LSU (4-2):  vs UCF (4-1) – Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. EST (Greenbrier 3rd Place Game)