Pittsburgh Panthers vs Sam Houston Bearkats Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Well-Rested Pitt Ready to Host Sam Houston

The Pittsburgh Panthers, fresh off a well-timed break, will look to maintain their unbeaten home record as they wrap up non-conference play against Sam Houston on Saturday afternoon. The game will take place at the Peterson Events Center, where the Panthers are riding a 12-game home winning streak that dates back to last season.

Pitt Riding Momentum and Confidence

The Panthers (6-0 at home this season) enter the matchup following a dominant 96-56 win over Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 11. Freshman guard Brandin Cummings had a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 30 points on 10-for-13 shooting, including 6 of 8 from beyond the arc.

Cummings’ explosive showing earned him Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week honors, and Pitt coach Jeff Capel praised the young guard’s relentless work ethic.

“The confidence comes because of the work,” Capel said. “He’s a gym rat. He’s one of the most low-maintenance guys I’ve coached. He’s a sponge. He wants to learn. He wants to be really good.”

The Panthers’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, with Ishmael Leggett leading the team at 17.0 points per game. Leggett has notched back-to-back 17-point performances, showcasing his scoring consistency.

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Jaland Lowe, another key contributor, is averaging 16.5 points per game but has struggled with efficiency recently, shooting just 35.6 percent over his last three outings.

A Beneficial Break

Pitt has been idle for nearly two weeks since their commanding victory over Eastern Kentucky. The extended downtime has allowed the team to rest and recalibrate ahead of Saturday’s game and the start of their ACC schedule against California on New Year’s Day.

“I think the break has been good for us,” Capel said. “It came at a really good time after a tough stretch.”

Sam Houston’s Balanced Attack

Sam Houston (6-5) comes into the game with a strong showing in their most recent outing, an 80-54 win over St. Thomas (Texas) on Monday. The Bearkats leaned on their balanced offense and dominant rebounding to secure the victory.

Lamar Wilkerson leads the Bearkats with 20.0 points per game and scored 19 in the win over St. Thomas. Meanwhile, Kian Scoggins turned heads with a double-double of 13 points and 17 rebounds, and Cameron Huefner (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Dorian Finister (11 points, 12 rebounds) also posted double-doubles.

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Sam Houston, which won the Conference USA regular-season title last year, will look to challenge Pitt by leveraging their depth and rebounding advantage.

Key Storylines

Pitt’s ability to sustain its offensive rhythm and defend its home court will be critical as they look to keep their perfect home record intact. Meanwhile, Sam Houston will need to bring their defensive intensity and continue dominating the boards to pull off an upset.

Both teams have momentum heading into this matchup, but with Pitt’s depth, a confident Brandin Cummings, and the home-court advantage, the Panthers are well-positioned to finish their non-conference schedule on a high note.