Preview: Pitt Panthers Battle No. 4 Duke

Title: Preview: Pitt Panthers Battle No. 4 Duke The Pitt Panthers are set to face the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils in Durham, NC, as the spring semester begins. Pitt achieved a historic victory against Duke last season, marking their first win at Duke, led by Blake Hinson's stellar performance. Sophomore guard Jaland Lowe, a projected NBA first-round pick, contributed significantly in the previous win, showcasing clutch shooting abilities. Senior guard Ishmael Leggett is the leading scorer for the Panthers, averaging 17.8 points per game, closely followed by Lowe at 17.4 points per game. Pitt is currently on a five-game winning streak and remains undefeated in the ACC, despite a previous loss to ranked Wisconsin. Duke's roster features several NBA prospects, including freshman Cooper Flagg, who is recognized for his defensive skills and scoring ability. Flagg leads the Blue Devils in scoring with 17.4 points per game, along with impressive rebounding and defensive statistics. Other notable Duke players include Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor, both of whom are contributing significantly to the team's offense. The Panthers may be without graduate student guard Damian Dunn due to a thumb injury, which could impact their performance against Duke. The game is crucial for Pitt's NCAA Tournament aspirations, as a win could elevate them in the college basketball hierarchy.

Original Article: https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/basketball/preview-pitt-panthers-battle-duke-blue-devils

Original Article Author: Conor Hutchison