Pitt basketball’s historic season has reached another milestone. Facing Boston College late Tuesday night, the Panthers cruised in the second half to a 77-58 victory inside the Petersen Events Center. Jeff Capel’s team outscored the Eagles 37-27 in the final 20 minutes that included a 21-2 run.
With the win, the Panthers improved to 19-7 overall and 12-3 in ACC play. Pitt surpassed the program’s previous win total of 11 during the 2013-14 campaign, the team’s first year in the conference.
Head coach Jamie Dixon guided the team to a 26-10 mark and an 11-7 record in ACC play. Pitt won two games in the 2014 ACC Tournament before losing to Virginia, 51-48, in the semifinals. The Panthers entered the NCAA Tournament a No. 9 seed and crushed No. 8 Colorado, 77-48, before losing to No. 1 seed Florida, 61-45, in Orlando.
Pitt tied the previous high for wins on Saturday, defeating Florida State 83-75 behind 19 points from both Blake Hinson and Jamarius Burton. The victory also marks Pitt’s longest conference winning streak since Dec. 27, 2010, to Jan. 22, 2011, in the Big East, winning seven-straight matchups.
Hinson led the team with 21 points including 7-of-11 from three and seven rebounds. All five starters posted double figures as Greg Elliott (14), Nelly Cummings (11), Federiko Federiko (10), and Burton (10) powered the Panthers to victory and moved into sole possession of first place. Virginia (19-4, 11-3), who plays at Louisville Wednesday, currently sits a half-game back with the same number of losses.
Pitt has now won six consecutive conference games, increasing the program record for wins in a row. The Panthers’ success at home was once again on full display, improving to 12-3 at the Pete.
A 7-2 road record will be put to the test Saturday at 5 p.m. as Pitt faces Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
Another Win. Great job men. Keep it going. A win against VT probably locks down a 1-4 seed finish and a double-bye in the ACC tourney. This time of year, playing an opponent that played the night before, or possibly, 2 nights in a row, is huge. H2P !
Great win vs Boston college, I certainly didn’t think it would be that easy.
Huge game Saturday. The panthers are going to have to play a great game to have a chance to win. Hopefully they can match the intensity that Virginia tech is going to have when the game starts.
Absolutely agree with you.
Two teams that are ranked ahead of Pitt got beat last night in huge upsets.
#26 Mizzou got blown away by 33 points by Auburn and #28 Illinois got beat by Big10 scrub State Penn. Pitt came in at #29.