Pitt Take 5: Pitt plays host to Stanford on Saturday, seeking 1st 12-2 start in 9 years
Title: Pitt Take 5: Pitt plays host to Stanford on Saturday, seeking 1st 12-2 start in 9 years | TribLIVE.com Pitt's upcoming game against Stanford presents an opportunity for the Panthers to achieve their best start (12-2) in nine years, having last opened 14-1 in the 2015-2016 season. The Panthers are currently averaging 84.2 points per game, ranking third in the ACC, with standout performances from guards Ishmael Leggett and Jaland Lowe, both averaging around 17 points per game. Leggett's availability for the game is uncertain due to a foot injury, while Damian Dunn is expected to return from injury soon, potentially in the upcoming games. Jaland Lowe has been playing through a minor injury but has shown improvement recently, scoring 27 points in his last game after removing a protective wrap from his finger. Stanford, with a record of 9-4, is considered a stronger opponent than Cal, featuring standout player Maxime Raynaud, who leads the ACC in scoring and rebounding. Despite a comeback win against Cal, Pitt's NET ranking dropped from 10 to 13 due to the low ranking of their opponents, highlighting the challenges of achieving high rankings in the NCAA. Pitt's second-half performance against Cal showcased the strength of their bench players, indicating depth that may be crucial as they face a demanding ACC schedule. The connection between Pitt and the California teams, including Stanford, is relatively new, with historical encounters limited and a notable lack of games since the 1950s. The game against Stanford marks only the fourth meeting between the two teams, with Pitt having won the last encounter in 2013. Coach Jeff Capel is actively preparing for the game against Stanford, emphasizing the importance of video study and strategic planning in light of the rapid game schedule.
Original Article: https://triblive.com/sports/pitt-take-5-pitt-plays-host-to-stanford-on-saturday-seeking-1st-12-2-start-in-9-years/
Original Article Author: Jerry DiPaola
