Virginia Tech might be worse than Miami, even though they did beat the Hurricanes by 1 in overtime in their ACC opener. They came to the Pete yesterday 0 for 2014 with their last win coming against Maryland Eastern Shore on December 31. Pitt was favored by 20.
Folks, that's why they play the game.
I'll spare you the details of this disaster, but know that Pitt shot 37%, was outrebounded by 15, and Patterson was 0-6 with 0 points in regulation. Half of his shots missed the rim completely. Patterson's nursing a thumb injury, and it's obvious it's affecting his shot. Unfortunately, Pitt has zero depth, and Dixon was forced to play Patterson down the stretch of this game despite him being about as useful offensively as some of my rec basketball teams in grade school.
WE GOT NO BENCH. WE GOT NO INSIDE PRESENCE! OUR BEST PLAYER'S THUMBS ARE FALLING OFF!!!
A 7-0 VT run put them up 48-44 with 40 seconds left. It was then that James Robinson made the play of the game. He hit a 3 pointer and was fouled for the rare 4 point play to tie the score. Newkirk stole the ball in the closing seconds to prevent VT from getting a final shot.
In overtime, you thought that Pitt would eventually take control. They didn't. Neither team made a shot, and 4 free throws a piece made up the only scoring. Virginia Tech again had a chance to win it in the closing seconds but Devin Wilson of Montour High School in McKees Rocks missed trying to be the hero in his hometown. He shot 1-9 with 7 turnovers.
Of course, the only person to successfully make a shot in either overtime was the guy who was 0 fer the game up to that point. Patterson made a tough shot driving to his left and shooting in the other direction off the glass. Pitt made some free throws and closed the game out.
The Good - Guards Wright (18 points) Robinson (16) and Newkirk (11) carried Pitt offensively. They also combined for 13 rebounds.
The Bad - Pitt's forwards Patterson, Zanna, Young, Artis, Randall, and Uchebo combined for only 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The ugly - Lamar Patterson's shooting. If his thumb doesn't heal by Wednesday, Pitt is going to get blown out by the 'Cuse.
It was ugly, but Pitt got two wins. Let's hope they fix things by Wednesday. The undefeated #1 team in the country is coming to town.
Hail to Pitt,
J.O.
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