Pitt off until Sunday’s trip to New Jersey.
Technically the schedule gets lighter, but I don’t really feel that way. You could make a case that Pitt has been playing to the level of its competition this year — a common issue especially for young teams. Pitt was playing its best against the teams believed to be among the best in the conference. What happens when they face the perceived middle- and light-weights?
If you want to look for the bright side of Pitt’s loss to Georgetown, it is that the team had a very tangible bit of evidence that they need to get back to the defensive intensity.
It was the fourth consecutive game that a Pitt opponent shot 46 percent or more from the field. The Panthers were able to beat Connecticut and Cincinnati because they shot well against both and decisively outrebounded the Huskies. Pitt was able to beat Louisville, in part, because the Cardinals collapsed late by missing free throws.
Coach Jamie Dixon’s goal is to hold every opponent to 40 percent or less from the field. The Panthers have not done that since the conference opener against DePaul.
“I think we feel good about the wins, but [the Georgetown game] really took a toll,” junior forward Gilbert Brown said. “And it can take a toll on us. But I think we’ll bounce back well in practice. The biggest thing about this stretch, the good things, was that our team has been able to come together with me and Jermaine being back on the court and being able to play as a unit.
“But [the Georgetown game] still shows that we need to improve in other areas. We had a lot of letdowns the past couple games on defense in just getting the hustle plays, the loose balls and boxing out. So, we really have to get back to what we do. Right now, we’re struggling in those things, but I feel as though we’re going to be picking it up later on this season.”
Happily most Pitt fans were rather sanguine after the loss. Even the expected freak-out to the beat writer after a loss was hardly that.
I do worry about the games with Seton Hall and St. John’s. Both teams have some talent and have been unexpected thorns in recent years. Seton Hall, both for being the next game and the style they play, has me very concerned. If a guy like Hazell has a good night, then insanity reigns.
Ashton Gibbs’ rough night gets a little dissection. Concern, again, seems limited.
Gibbs isn’t getting open as often thanks to increased pressure, but even when he did Wednesday he wasn’t very accurate. He missed a pair of open threes in the same possession late in the game as Pitt tried again to rally.
“He normally knocks down those shots,” said Jermaine Dixon. “He just didn’t make them.”
Gibbs shouldn’t be criticized roundly — he still averages 16.9 points — but his quick and questionable shot selection at times Wednesday showed a frustration not seen this season. Coach Dixon said he believed Gibbs played well, but did point out the open misses, a rare point of public criticism from Dixon.
Still, losing faith in their top scorer will take Gibbs’ teammates more than one or two less-than-spectacular performances.
“Ashton will bounce back on Sunday (at Seton Hall),” Jermaine Dixon said. “He’s our scorer, and he will try to find ways to get open.”
I don’t think anyone is too worried. The only concern I have for Sunday is that it is a “homecoming” game for Gibbs and Travon Woodall to play in New Jersey. For the Philly boys of Brad Wanamaker and Nasir Robinson, Philadelphia is only 90 minutes or so away from Newark. Could be a lot of friends and family show up, so that is always a mild concern for distractions.
