PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In its first game without Xavier Johnson and Au’Diese Toney, the Panthers fought and played tough. However doomed by poor shooting specifically from the line in a 65-62 loss at NC State.
Panthers, losers now of 8 of 9, missed 4 straight foul shots in the final minute of the game, shooting 63 percent overall. Pitt shot 35 percent from the field, 23 percent in the first half.
“It’s been a long week,” said head coach Jeff Capel. “We came out and we battled after not playing well in the first half. I thought our defense allowed us to be in striking distance. We have to sure up some of those mistakes-the finishes, the free throws, the turnovers and not fouling shooters.”
Capel said some of the issues were due to the 8-day layoff and a rust of not playing. He said that was the biggest factor in the first half.
“I feel really, really positive and strong about the future of our program because we were doing this with young guys out there today,” Capel said praising Femi Odukale and William Jeffress. “They put us in a position to win.”
Physical on Justin
ACC defenses continue to be intent to stopping Justin Champagnie, and for good reason without the two other double-digit scorers. Champagnie was just 2-10 shooting in the first half with 8 rebounds. Finished 4-14 for 15 points and 12 rebounds. In the two games against NC State, Champagnie was 7 of 25 shooting from the floor, 1-6 from 3.
“You can’t let your frustrations show,” Capel said. “Justin has to understand for the rest of his career. This is how it is going to be. When you become one of those guys who are one of the better players in the league and college basketball. Teams defend you very, very differently.”
Only one game this month did the sophomore shoot over 44% and that was 5-6 shooting against Georgia Tech, when the Yellow Jackets allowed him few opportunities.
“He has to be able to adjust,” Capel said. “For as long as he is playing basketball, it’s going to be physical. For the rest of his career. “
Champagnie popped twice
Johnson committed a couple of technical fouls this month, the trend continued with Champagnie. The sophomore got a technical in the officiating group that includes Teddy Valentine for arguing a call.
Champagnie later called for another T. This time for slapping the backboard following an emotional dunk.
“He’s done it all year,” Capel said. “He’s done it a lot. It is a rule. I’ve watched a lot (of games) I’m not sure I’ve seen it called this year.”
Beverly made all three shots. Pitt lost by three.
New starting lineup
Even though the Panthers lost a pair of starters, all in the starting five had at least a game of previous starting experience.
Justin Champagnie, Abdoul-Karim Coulibaly and Ithiel Horton were joined by grad transfer Nike Sibande and freshman Femi Odukale. The group has combined for 82 career starts.
By comparison, NC State’s Braxton Beverly had five more career starts than the entire Pitt team with 87.
Terrell Brown didn’t start, but did have the first double-double of his career with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Up Next
The last game in the Petersen Events Center for the season and hopefully the last without a full complement of fans. Panthers host Wake Forest at 6p on Tuesday on 93.7 The Fan.
Demon Deacons have three wins in the ACC, one against Pitt. Wake beat the Panthers 76-75 on January 23. Ismael Massoud finished with a career-high 31 points on 8-10 shooting from 3.
Wake Forest’s lone win in February was against Boston College. They have lost three straight by a total of 77 points.