Miami Hurricanes Basketball Game 30 Preview: Pittsburgh Panthers
By Sam Jacobs
Location: Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Time: 8:00 PM
TV: My TV 33 (CBS Alternate)
The Miami Hurricanes basketball team fell short in a crucial loss to North Carolina on Saturday. Miami (18-11, 8-8) now hits the road to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers (19-11, 8-8) on Wednesday evening. Pittsburgh, a perennial tournament team, currently sits on the bubble along with the Hurricanes.
Pittsburgh Scouting Report
The Panthers, tied with Miami in the ACC standings, have played very well since their upset over Notre Dame in late January. After a mediocre start to the conference slate, Pitt has won 6 of its last 9 games, including two over ranked opponents. They did waste a major opportunity with a loss at Wake Forest last Sunday, though.
Pittsburgh generally takes tremendous care of the ball, posting the nation’s top assist/turnover ratio. At least part of this can be attributed to their slow tempo on offense. Pitt ranks 310th in the country in possessions per game, with only Virginia averaging a lesser number among ACC teams. This team will not usually settle for poor shot attempts, so the ‘Canes need to play defense through the shot clock.
The Panthers also look to do most of their damage near the basket. Despite connecting on a respectable percentage of their 3-pointers, Pittsburgh ranks next to last in the conference in 3-point attempts. Pitt’s top threat from beyond the arc is big-time scorer Jamel Artis.
Artis, a 6’7” sophomore who can play either forward position, has averaged 19.8 points per game over the Panthers’ last 4 contests and has really been on a tear since ACC play started. He shoots well from both 3-point range and mid range. I think Davon Reed should matchup well with Artis because of their similar styles of play.
Pittsburgh lacks a true center, so often times they play a bit out of position. Michael Young, 6’9” power forward, gets most of the minutes at the five. Similar to Artis, his emergence as an impact player has contributed a great deal to the Panthers’ success. Young does some serious damage in the paint, providing a consistent threat to score on the inside. Over Pitt’s last 3 games, Young has averaged 20.7 points on 60% shooting from the field. Tonye Jekiri is once again tasked with defending a talented big man.
James Robinson runs the point for the Panthers. The 6’3” guard ranks 3rd in the ACC in assists and 13th in the nation in assist/turnover ratio. A healthy Angel Rodriguez would certainly help force Robinson and Pittsburgh into some giveaways.
Prediction
Miami: 66 – Pittsburgh: 70
As the records of each team suggest, Miami and Pittsburgh are similar in level of play. I think the Panthers’ home court, where they have won 5 consecutive games, will give them the nod over the Hurricanes. The ‘Canes will need to force some turnovers, take great care of the ball, and defend the paint well to beat Pitt.
Angel Rodriguez, who is currently listed as questionable for the game, could help the Hurricanes’ defense greatly. North Carolina’s point guard Marcus Paige dominated Manu Lecomte a few days ago in Rodriguez’s absence. Pittsburgh’s James Robinson may not be of the same caliber, but quality defense is still required.
Davon Reed and Sheldon McClellan combined for 13 points against Carolina after filling up the stat sheet against Florida State the game before. Miami needs them to step up, especially on the offensive end, to get this crucial victory.
These teams should be far from lacking in motivation on Wednesday evening. The winner of this game will keep their March Madness hopes alive as well as earn a better seed in the ACC Tournament, which begins next week.