Previewing The Cincinnati Bearcats v. The Pitt Panthers In The Jimmy V Classic
By Chris Bains
Nov 30, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Jamie Dixon reacts on the sidelines against the Duquesne Dukes during the first half at the CONSOL Energy Center. Pittsburgh won 84-67. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Bearcats are in a bit of a funk right now after getting completely exposed against New Mexico and Xavier during their last two games. But Mick Cronin and crew need to shake that off quickly as they face the 10-0 Pitt Panthers at Madison Square Gardens tonight. Believe you me, this is Cincinnati’s toughest opponent to date and the Bearcats need to play a near perfect game on both ends of the floor.
Let’s breakdown this ultra-critical game.
KEY NUMBERS
The Panthers are as good on offense as they are on defense. On the season Pitt is averaging over 82 points per game which is good for 2nd in the ACC and allowing under 62 points per game, again good for 2nd in the conference. But this is a team that doesn’t overwhelm opponents with a fast tempo. The Panthers are 288th in the country averaging about 67 possessions per game. But the thing with the Panthers is that they are uber-efficient with those possessions. Pitt is shooting an insane 49.5% from the field and turning the ball over just 10 times per game. Those are numbers that any offensive-minded coach would be happy with.
Then on defense Pitt stymies teams with long-armed guards and wings to force turnovers and snag rebounds. The Panthers are averaging almost 40 rebounds per game, which is good for 6th in the ACC. Oh goodie, another opponent that’s strong in the paint. That shouldn’t prove disastrous for UC.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nov 12, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers forward Talib Zanna (42) shoots against the Fresno State Bulldogs during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Lamar Patterson (#21): Pitt’s leading scorer who is averaging 16.4 points per game also leads the Panthers in assists and is one of the better rebounders on the team. This 6’5″ 225 lbs guard is as much a threat to score as he is to put other players around him in an optimum position to score. Patterson is just as pure a scoring guard as there is in college basketball who can take over games at times.
Talib Zanna (#42): The Panthers’ most dangerous threat down low is the hulking 6’9″ 230 lbs power forward Talib Zanna. The junior is a force in the paint averaging almost 8 rebounds per game, which leads all Pitt players. If Justin Jackson and the other UC big men didn’t get enough of Kirk and Bairstow at New Mexico, they’ll have they’re hands full guarding Zanna tonight.
BEST MATCHUP
Sean Kilpatrick v. Patterson: The Bearcat tasked at slowing down Patterson will likely be veteran Sean Kilpatrick and visa versa. Killa isn’t known for his defensive prowess but it has improved mightily during his time at UC. Plus, since he’s the most adept at slowing Patterson down, the tall task falls on his shoulders. The Panthers’ roster is laced with talented scorers but it all starts with #21. If Kilpatrick can give him fits, expect Cincinnati to keep this game close enough to pull off the upset.
FINAL THOUGHTS AND PREDICTIONS
If there’s one thing we learned with the Bearcats this season it’s that they are 1) extremely young at the guard position and 2) don’t have nearly the amount of talent and depth in the low post to keep opposing bigs at bay. Both factors could ultimately doom Cincinnati tonight as the Panthers are strong in both areas and in general are just a well-balanced basketball team with a plethora of weapons around the court. Unfortunately, I’m envisioning the Bearcats dropping their third game in a row.
Pitt: 76
Cincinnati: 62