PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Bleak. What it appeared to be for the Panthers down 10 at half on Wednesday. Not only was Pitt (13-8, 4-6) losing to Wake Forest (13-7, 5-4), but getting pushed around inside. This time they elevated their game and the shots started to fall and the Panthers came back to win 77-72.
Not only came back, but scored the most points in a half in ACC play this season with 50.
“For our guys to be down 10 at the half, not to panic,” said Pitt head coach Jeff Capel. “To stay together and to fight their butts off in the second half. Really proud of them. In the first half, we had zero offensive rebounds, we had nine in the second half.
“The competitive urgency went to another level in the second half. I told them at halftime that they played hard, but they need to play harder. It was great to see us come out in the second half and to go to a different level. And show ourselves that we can do that.”
“We are just a connected group, honestly,” said junior guard Ishmael Leggett. “We came in at halftime and addressed things that needed to be done and we went out and executed them. We had the utmost trust in each other to take care of assignments and we did that.”
Leggett with another strong second half leading a 7-0 run to give the Panthers not just the lead, but put them back in control about 30 minutes into the game. The junior transfer would finish with 22 points, 14 in the second half.
“Just trust in my work,” Leggett said. “Me and the guys put a ton of work in basketball in general. Just going out there and trusting your work and I live with the results, good or bad.”
“He scored today,” Capel said. “I thought he was outstanding defensively as well. He does give us a spark.”
Blake Hinson (17 points) had a fade away three as the shot clock was expiring to cut the lead to two with 12:30 left. It was Bub Carrington’s three that tied the game at 49. Carrington made several key shots scoring 17 in the second half. Carrington finished with 24 points, playing all 40 minutes.
“I didn’t want to come out,” Carrington said. “I can’t show the coach that I’m tired. Just keep fighting.”
Destroyed in the paint in the first half, Pitt played even with the Demon Deacons in the second half. Their perimeter defense was a huge key, 11 steals and holding Wake to 24% shooting from three in the game, 15% in the second half.
Will-ing to win
He only had a pair of points and two rebounds, but Will Jeffress was as impactful as anyone in the second half.
“Jeffress came in and what a spark he gave us,” Capel said. “Defensively, he fought. He battled. He was physical.”
Jeffress played more minutes in the second half on Wednesday (10) than he had in the last three games combined.
“He is a perfect example of staying ready,” Capel said. “When your opportunity comes, stay ready. Will is a guy that he shows up every day to practice. He has an unbelievable attitude. He is an unbelievable teammate.”
“All credit to Will,” Leggett said. “He’s mentally strong. He seized the opportunity. His name was called and he made the most of it. He didn’t expect anything less than to make that impact.”
It’s the first win at the Petersen Events Center since December 20 against Purdue Fort Wayne.
Up Next
Panthers home to Notre Dame Saturday night at 6p. Panthers pregame begins at 5:30 with Bill Hillgrove, Curtis Aiken and Cale Berger on 93.7 The Fan.