Pitt will host Gardner-Webb as part of its non-conference schedule for the 2020-21 season, per Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.
Gardner-Webb, which plays in the Big South Conference, last played Pitt in 2016 as the Panthers, behind Cam Johnson’s 18 points, won 99-80.
The Bulldogs went 16-16 in 2019-20 and finished third in the Big South with a 11-7 conference record. Gardner-Webb finished No. 218 in adjusted efficiency, according to KenPom.com, and was ranked No. 212 in the NCAA’s NET Rankings, lower than both Robert Morris (No. 203) and Duquesne (No. 94).
Gardner-Webb’s top two scorers from 2019-20 won’t be returning as leading scorer Jose Perez (15.2 PPG) transferred to Marquette and F Eric Jamison (14.5 PPG) graduated. The Bulldogs top two returning scorers will be guards Nate Johnson (13.5 PPG) and Jaheam Cornwall (13.1 PPG).
Gardner-Webb is the fourth non-conference opponent to be revealed for Pitt in 2020, joining a trip to West Virginia on Nov. 13 and two home games at The Pete against Drexel and Morgan State.
Pitt will also play three games as part of the Myrtle Beach Invitational Nov. 19-22, potentially facing Charlotte, Dayton, Loyola, Missouri, Nebraska, Penn and/or Utah State. The Panthers also are expected to be part of the 2020 ACC-Big Ten Challenge, with an opponent and date to be determined.
That leaves three additional games to be released from Pitt’s 2020-21 scheduled. Pitt head coach Jeff Capel told the Tribune-Review last month that all but one of his team’s games had already been scheduled. Pitt will not have City Game rival Duquesne on its schedule for the second consecutive season.
Tired of hearing about mythical city game. Get over it.
Yeah right MDKD, Gardener Webb really lights my fire. As a “Hey Boomer” Duquesne played Pitt when they ruled BB in 50’s and 60’s. But you would know because your daddy was in diapers. YOu out of high school yet, ever read a history book? Oh its not on google. Capel is a coward.