PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was just before Christmas last year when Pitt won at Syracuse and it was also the second conference game of the year, same as this season. It was one of those wins that really gave the Panthers confidence and now the return to ACC play Saturday at noon in New York.
In that game last December, the Panthers grabbed a halftime lead and then went up by 20 with 9:13 to go after a free throw by Jorge Diaz Graham, 8:43 later the Orange were trailing by just one point. Syracuse got a steal with 17 seconds left, but Blake Hinson stole it back to secure an 84-82 final.
"I feel like that was one of the wins that got us together," said Guillermo Diaz Graham. "It was a fight at the end and when we won, I remember by brother was crying because of all the pressure. That was one of the beautiful wins of the year."
Now this year's 9-3 Pitt team faces 9-3 Syracuse as both teams still have some questions they are working through, as both lost their conference openers.
"My team, we are a talented group," Hinson said of the first dozen games. "My team had to figure out what our identity was. We are still searching to be honest with you. We are starting to know our roles and our strengths. We all know where our strengths are at and we are going to play towards them."
Hinson said while there has been improvement in defense as the offense has struggled the last couple of games, there is another gear there. He wants to see the intensity ratchet up, saying a couple of key freshmen and transfers now have enough time together to make a difference.
"We should always be relentless and hard-playing and almost annoying at all times, regardless of the score," Hinson said. "We should always be pestering people with how hard we play. That's where our identity should be and I think we are moving towards that identity."
Despite some inconsistencies at times, the Panthers head into the Saturday matchup leading the ACC in rebounds, rebounding margin and defensive rebounds. Hinson is 17th in the NCAA in scoring and second in made three-pointers (45) shooting 46% from beyond the arc.
Freshman guard Bub Carrington is averaging 13.8 points. 5.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Transfer Ishmael Leggett is a stat-filler and Zach Austin is arguably the most athletic on the roster. Now that group will start the journey through conference play.
"I learned the ACC is dangerous," said Guillermo Diaz Graham. "Every team in the ACC can beat you. Every game is like a playoff. Every team has a different style in this conference. It's really hard because very team is a different team and every team is really good."
"The ACC has a really good level and anyone can beat anyone. You have to be 100% to win."
Guillermo believes some improved post play in the last few games should help the Panthers confidence. They'll need against an Orange team led by sophomore guard Judah Mintz averaging 19.8 points per game.
ACC action begins with Panthers pregame at 11:30a from the JMA Wireless Dome on 93.7 The Fan on Saturday.
