PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There was a lot to learn from Pitt’s comeback win at Northwestern Wednesday night as the Panthers prepare for a likely final non-conference game against Gardner-Webb at 4p on 93.7 The Fan.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs have only played one game due to COVID cancellations, but they had a final shot to beat the team picked to win Conference USA on their home floor. Western Kentucky won the game 86-84, but Gardner-Webb was 12-19 from 3, they were also a minus 10 in turnovers.
Pitt did show a lot with a road win at a Big 10 school as we look at the starting five.
Xavier Johnson has matured
Xavier Johnson was feeling it offensively and getting back into the game Wednesday night when with 10:45 to play in the second half, Johnson picked up his fourth foul. Johnson didn’t sulk, rather he was a vocal, encouraging leader on the bench and when he returned to the game, was able to play aggressively, yet smart on the court. Jeff Capel said his competitive spirit works both ways with Johnson, if he can continue to harness it more wins are ahead.
Pitt wins ‘bumper car’ game
It’s a new favorite phrase, the ‘bumper car game’, meaning beating a team of similar situation and bumping ahead of them. Pitt did that Wednesday night at Northwestern, not only are both programs led by former Duke teammates, they are in like positions trying to reach the middle of their conferences. It wasn’t pretty, but the Panthers found a way on the road and bump up one notch in D-1.
Key Freshmen minutes
Four of Pitt’s freshmen played a big role Wednesday. William Jeffress led the way with 33 minutes and 7 points, but while not big numbers, others had big contributions. I like what Xavier Johnson said after “They don’t know how big of an impact they made today until later on and they’ll see down the road because to them it’s a little bit, but to us it was a lot.” Johnson is right because so often players measure themselves by the stat line, but just their ability to handle the situation, bring energy and not hurt the team was big. Will see how that affects the growth of Jeffress, Femi Odukale, John Hugley and Noah Collier.
Fighting Through Adversity
Pitt started the game against the Wildcats missing 21 of their first 23 shots, yet they never stopped playing defense. “We’ve had a tendency in the past were we’ve let our offensive troubles affect our defense,” Capel said Wednesday. “It did not do that tonight. Our defense was really good all night,” That mentality, if it continues, will serve them well. It’s the sign of toughness not only in a team, but a program to be able to continue to play hard when shots aren’t falling. Capel is right, how many times over the last few years have we watched frustrated or head-hanging Panthers after a slow offensive start.
Champagnie
When your name is mentioned with DeJuan Blair, something physical and magical has likely happened. Justin Champagnie had the first Pitt 20-20 game since Blair in 2009 against UConn. Champagnie is the smallest player to get a 20-20 in over 25 years in division one basketball.
After missing 11 shots in the opening loss to St. Francis, Champagnie has scored 61 points in the last three games, all wins. There are two other astonishing stats, the sophomore forward has played 105 minutes in those last three games with 3 turnovers and 1 foul. That’s solid basketball.