Pitt is back at the Petersen Events Center for the second-straight game Wednesday night against slumping Virginia.
The Panthers defeated Louisville 65-53 in a very impressive night for Jamarius Burton. Pitt narrowly lost to UVA in the ACC opener earlier in the season.
Here are five things to know ahead of Pitt’s (7-10, 2-4) second matchup against the Virginia Cavaliers (10-7, 4-3).
Last Time Out
Pitt lost a heart-wrenching 57-56 contest at Virginia on December 3, 2021 thanks to a last-second shot from Jayden Gardner. The matchup saw four ties and 14 lead changes before Virginia pulled out the victory on its home floor.
Gardner led all scorers with 15 points and Armaan Franklin chipped in 10. John Hugley (12) and Jamarius Burton (11) paced Pitt in scoring as eight Panthers saw the floor. Hugley only recorded three rebounds in the low scoring affair where Pitt outscored UVA 30-27. Mouhamadou Gueye totaled eight points, six rebounds, and two blocks and needs to factor heavily on both ends of the floor for Pitt to win the rematch.
The Panthers have a strong chance at defeating Virginia and shooting behind the arc might make the difference. Pitt made 50% of its threes compared to only 19% for Virginia. Being this efficient and finding improved success in the paint after being outscored 30-18 are two critical aspects to watch for.
Confidence in Burton
Jamarius Burton has developed a newfound confidence level since being inserted into the starting lineup. He has scored in double figures the past 10 games, only totaling six in his first start, and rarely comes off the floor for Jeff Capel’s team.
Burton has only been off the floor one minute the past three games, playing 39 minutes at Syracuse and 40 against both Boston College and Louisville. The 6’4” Texas Tech transfer is having his best collegiate season in the Blue and Gold averaging 13 points-per-game, shooting 39% from the field and 91.7% from the free throw line.
The senior has helped form a nice tandem with Hugley as well as the development play of Femi Odukale to keep Pitt in nearly every game. Despite being underdogs once again, the Panthers have a good shot of winning Wednesday night if these three continue to mold together. Burton helps to show other transfers the possibilities of coming to Pitt and having success despite the overall record.
The Cavs Catalog
Virginia has been up and down since their first game against the Panthers. 5-5 in their last 10, the Cavaliers are 8th in the ACC and coming off of an eight-point home loss on Saturday. UVA lost to Wake Forest 63-55 and were out-rebounded resulting in a majority of Wake’s points coming in the paint.
Typically a top of the ACC contender, Tony Bennett’s squad does not display the same luster as previous seasons. They did defeat Syracuse at home on New Year’s Day but do not have a signature win to their credit so far this year. Virginia is 10th throughout college basketball in scoring defense allowing 58.6 points-per-game, but only score just under 60.
The Cavaliers lack a consistent scoring threat outside of Gardner and are atrocious from three-point land. They do take care of the ball well tied for 19th in total turnovers while taking it away about six times a game. UVA can still defend well but is not nearly up to par with previous lock down defensive teams smothering opposing offenses. Virginia does shoot at close to a 45% clip, higher than Pitt, leading to another potential game winner to decide the final outcome.
Gardner is out in front of all other scorers for the program totaling 14 points and 7.2 rebounds. Franklin is second and the only other player in double figures registering 12.5.
Spread, Over/Under
Virginia is favored by 3.5 points on the road in Wednesday afternoon’s latest odds.
The Panthers are 12-5 against the spread this year and are 7-1 when the spread is against them by 3.5 points or more.
The over/under for the late-night contest is set at 115 points and Pitt is +140 on the money line.
Virginia is 3-7 when favored by 3.5 points or more. The Cavaliers have covered six times in 18 opportunities.
Broadcast, Radio Info
The Virginia and Pitt matchup will air on the ACC Network Wednesday night with a late start of 9 p.m. Angel Gray and Dan Bonner have the call.
The game can also be heard live on sports radio 93.7 The Fan.
Pitt plays at Clemson on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. before returning home for one game taking on rival Syracuse.
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