Read below for a full Pitt vs Virginia Tech prediction and preview as ACC play begins for both teams.
The Panthers are looking to redeem themselves after being thrashed by Mississippi State Wednesday night in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
General Information:
Teams: #18 Pitt (7-2) and Virginia Tech (3-5)
Tip-Off Time: 2 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPNU
Listen: 93.7 The Fan
Latest on Virginia Tech basketball:
Virginia Tech started the season with wins against Delaware State, SC Upstate, and Winthrop before dropping five straight games. This skid has the Hokies in last place in the ACC right now, but conference play can change everything.
Turnovers hurt the Hokies last time out against Vanderbilt in the ACC/SEC Challenge as they coughed up the basketball 15 times compared to Vanderbilt’s eight.
Rebounding has been a strength for Virginia Tech this season as it averages 37 rebounds per game. The front-court duo of Mylyjael Poteat and Toibu Lawal combine for over 12 rebounds in a game.
The Hokies offense goes through the forward duo as well with Poteat and Lawal being the leading scorers for Virginia Tech. They are the only two players to average 10+ points so far this season. This means Cam Corhen and Guillermo Diaz Graham are going to need to bounce back after poor showings Wednesday night.
It’s clear Virginia Tech likes to play a low-scoring, defensive style of basketball this year. The Panthers are going to need to be patient in trying to break down the Hokies defensively. The Hokies have won eight of the last 10 matchups between these teams in Blacksburg.
Latest on Pitt basketball:
This game for Pitt against Virginia Tech is the definition of a revenge game. The Panthers were lethargic against Mississippi State and allowed the Bulldogs to control all facets of the matchup.
“When I was younger and he [Capel’s father] was coaching, he said ‘Sometimes, you’re the bug, and sometimes you’re the windshield,'” said Capel. “We were the bug, and we got crushed.”
Capel took the blame for the way the Panthers lost believing he needs to do a better job of having the team prepared. While most coaches won’t publicly throw their players under the bus, it was clear Capel’s gameplan wasn’t the issue on Wednesday.
If there are any positives to take away from the poor showing Wednesday night, Jaland Lowe produced 19 points for the Panthers. This game also falls into the category of a Quad 1 loss, so it shouldn’t hurt Pitt too much when the NCAA Tournament rolls around.
Once again, rebounding is going to be a major part of this matchup for Pitt. Even when Virginia Tech lost this season, it controlled the glass more often than not. Even the guards like Lowe and Ishmael Leggett will need to chip in and help in the rebounding department.
The Panthers can’t take Virginia Tech lightly, especially on the road. This is an opportunity for Pitt to get back to the basics, play the game it knows how to play, and show the world that the game against Mississippi State was nothing more than a bad night on the court.
Pitt vs Virginia Tech Prediction: Pitt wins, 77-61