Pitt doesn’t play again until Saturday, so there is probably going to be way too much time to chew over this game. The long break will be good for Pitt if they are as banged-up and flu-ridden as Coach Jamie Dixon says.
In the game, Rutgers turned thing around when Chevy Troutman was given a technical for hanging on the rim after a dunk about 4 minutes into the second half. The dunk gave Pitt a 41-33 lead. They sank the free throws and scored on the possession, and for the next 11 minutes the game was all Rutgers. They went on an 11-0 run in less than 5 minutes, and 18-4 overall in that stretch. Even Ramon, who played such a breakout game made the dumb mistake of fouling Douby when he was attempting a 3 (Douby sank all 3 FTs). It was and is disturbing how Pitt just seemed to collapse for about 11 straight minutes. Lost energy, focus and desire. There was no leadership anywhere. Coach Dixon burned through most of the timeouts in this stretch with little changing.
On the positive, Pitt rallied. They regrouped and went on a 10-4 run to tie the game. And while Rutgers clearly out-hustled Pitt in the second half, Pitt’s defense was better. Rutgers shot nearly 45% in the first half (and from inside the 3-point line, over 50%); but in the second half, they couldn’t even get to 36% (6-17 inside the 3-point line, 4-11 outside). Rebounding and turnovers nearly did Pitt in, but not the defense.
The second half, also obscured the fact that Pitt came out and played a good first half for the first time since Richmond (Dec. 23). Ramon had 11 points in the first half and Troutman and Taft had already combined for 15 points and 10 rebounds. Pitt had gone 5-5 at the FT line (Taft was a shocking 3-3). Pitt had only committed 4 turnovers. Yes, Graves was not shooting well, and Krauser was not creating; but Pitt was playing a tougher defense and getting the rebounds.
Concerns have to remain with free throw shooting. Especially late in the game. Technically, Pitt improved on its overall team shooting % by making 12-18. The trend was scary: 1st half, 5-5 (100%); 2nd half 5-8 (62.5%); OT, 2-5 (40%).
Looking ahead a little, I have to believe Pitt will start getting away from the 3 guard line-up a little more. If, as claimed, part of the issue with the forward position were little injuries, that should be resolved with the week off. Add in the extra practices, and DeGroat, Benjamin and Milligan should be seeing some increased playing time. Likely at the expense of Demetris and even Graves. Demetris was already being pushed for time by Ramon, and Graves hasn’t been nearly so consistent as the competition’s talent levels increased.
