Pitt Panthers Face Crucial Matchup Against NC State Amid Struggles

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pitt Panthers embark on their final road trip of the season as they confront the NC State Wolfpack on March 5, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Entering the matchup, the Panthers find themselves at the lower end of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) standings and seek to avoid a third four-game losing streak this season.

Once comfortably positioned for an NCAA Tournament bid, Pitt has faltered recently, enduring two separate four-game skids, compounded by debilitating defeats to stronger opponents. After a narrow road loss by just four points on February 22, additional losses to FC on February 25 and FC on March 1 have further dimmed the Panthers’ postseason aspirations.

On the other side of the court, the NC State Wolfpack, who had a notable run to the NCAA Tournament Final Four last season, face challenges of their own with a current record of 11-18 overall and 4-14 in ACC play. Head coach Kevin Keatts, in his eighth season, hopes to capitalize on recent home victories against Boston College and Wake Forest to rejuvenate their season.

Guard Marcus Hill leads NC State this season with an average of 11.7 points per game. Hill, at six-foot-four, is in his second year playing significant minutes after transferring from Bowling Green, where he averaged 20.5 points per game last season. Despite a struggling 3-point shooting percentage of 21.6% this season, Hill’s ability to score in critical moments could be a pivotal factor in the matchup against Pitt.

Other key contributors for NC State include senior guard Jayden Taylor, who averages 11.1 points per game, and senior guard Dontrez Styles, contributing 10.9 points and 4.8 rebounds. Taylor, nearing his 136th game in a Wolfpack uniform, brings specialized experience after transferring from Butler, while Styles, previously at North Carolina and Georgetown, has emerged as a reliable scoring option.

On the defensive front, senior forward Ben Middlebrooks has emerged as a crucial player for NC State, known for his defensive tenacity and scoring ability near the paint. The Wolfpack also lean heavily on senior forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, who provides the bulk in rebounding and defensive presence inside the key.

Despite their recent struggles, the statistics favor the Panthers. They enjoy a significant edge in points per game and field goal efficiency over the Wolfpack, alongside superior rebounds and turnover ratios. Nevertheless, inconsistency has plagued Pitt, and if the game remains close, the outcome could be unpredictable.

The Panthers are determined to seize this opportunity to secure a win to build momentum heading into the ACC Tournament. Point guard Jaland Lowe emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. “We’re just trying to hold it together,” Lowe said. “We know it’s been tough for us, but we want to finish the regular season strong.”

The matchup at Lenovo Center offers both teams a chance to divert from their recent challenges. As the tip-off nears, the Panthers aim to reclaim their footing against a Wolfpack team seeking to capitalize on home advantage despite a lackluster season.