PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The thought of Pitt beating Duke when Jeff Capel took over the program would be so far-fetched it couldn’t have been dreamed. Tuesday night, the Panthers program awoke for a 79-73 win against the Blue Devils.
”Big time win for us,” said head coach Jeff Capel. “Really proud of our guys. In order to beat that team, you have to fight for 40 minutes. And we did that.”
“We were able to sustain a lead throughout the game even when they made runs. We knew they were going to make runs. We were able to extend it (the lead) every time.”
Capel first win vs. Duke, only 2nd Duke assistant to beat Krzyzewski
“I worry about our team,” Capel said. “And it’s big for our program and big for our guys. Anytime as a program when you’re trying to build and trying to take a next step, anytime you can beat a blue blood. That’s big.”
“Look, you guys should know me by now. None of this stuff is about me. I had my time when I played. This is about these guys and making sure they have an unbelievable experience.”
Double-Double Double
Justin Champagnie had his fifth double-double by halftime with 17 points and 10 rebounds, finishing with 31 points and 14 rebounds. Junior Au’Diese Toney had to wait until 8:55 of the second half for his 10th rebound. It’s the third double-double in Toney’s career and second of the season.
“An amazing effort again from Justin,” Capel said. “I thought Au’Diese was amazing as well; not just the 22 points and 11 rebounds, but what he did defensively. DJ Stewart was a guy coming into this game averaging about 14-15 points a game and 2 for 8 and 6 points. That was a huge key for us.”
There was nearly a third double-double. Junior guard Xavier Johnson finished with 11 assists and 9 points.
“It’s finding the right balance,” Capel said of Johnson. “There are times where he is so excited and so geared up, he can get himself in a little bit of trouble. He’s matured as a player where I still want the ball in his hands. I trust him to make the right decision. Down the stretch, the free throws, the basket, the pass to Au’Diese, the defense. He was able to make huge plays for us.”
Champagnie debuts on national TV
Most national basketball fans haven’t seen Champagnie play, but the sophomore shot 12-15 from the field for his 31 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. In just his second opportunity back from a knee injury, Champagnie has 55 points and 30 rebounds over those pair of games. The sophomore leads the ACC in rebounding and nearly leads the conference in scoring.
