Pitt Basketball Aims to Bounce Back Against Louisville After Duke Loss

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball team is looking to rebound from a 29-point loss to Duke as they face Louisville in a crucial ACC matchup on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2025. The Panthers (12-3, 3-1 ACC) are determined to prove their resilience after a disappointing performance against the Blue Devils earlier in the week.

Senior guard Ishmael Leggett emphasized the importance of moving forward after the loss. “After the game, we came together, we collectively agreed that can’t happen again, and we moved on to the next opponent,” Leggett said. “That wasn’t Pitt basketball. Short-term memory definitely comes into play. A loss like that really brings us together more.”

Head coach Jeff Capel expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back. “These young people, they have short memories, not like us coaches,” Capel said. “They move on to the next play pretty quickly.” The Panthers will face Louisville (11-5, 4-1 ACC) at noon on Saturday, marking the first of four early tip-offs this season.

Capel acknowledged the challenges of a noon game, noting the unusual routine for players. “To me, you have to wake up ready to go,” he said. “A noon game is very, very different.” Players will arrive at the Petersen Events Center by 8:30 a.m. to prepare for the game.

Louisville, under first-year coach Pat Kelsey, has shown significant improvement this season, already surpassing last year’s win total. Kelsey has instilled a culture of hard work and selflessness, leading the Cardinals to a 4-1 start in ACC play. “I think people feel we are building great momentum,” Kelsey said. “You can feel the energy and excitement in the fan base.”

The game also highlights broader challenges facing ACC basketball, including the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals on player retention and coaching dynamics. Former Miami coach Jim Larranaga, who resigned in 2024, cited NIL concerns as a factor in his decision. “What shocked me was after we made it to the Final Four, eight players decided to enter the transfer portal,” Larranaga said. “The opportunity to make money someplace else created a situation that you have to ask yourself, as a coach, what is this all about?”

Pitt’s Zack Austin, who is third in the ACC with 23 blocks, is expected to play despite a shoulder injury sustained against Duke. “There’s some soreness still there,” Capel said, “but I think he’ll be able to play.”

The Panthers and Cardinals will meet again on March 1 at Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center, but Saturday’s game could set the tone for the remainder of the season. With both teams vying for position in the ACC standings, the matchup promises to be a pivotal moment in their campaigns.