Virginia, Pitt Aim to Bounce Back After Tight Losses

Two teams coming off tough losses face a quick turnaround as Pittsburgh hosts Virginia on Monday in an important ACC matchup.

Both teams suffered frustrating one-point defeats on Saturday, making this game a crucial opportunity to get back on track. The Panthers (14-7, 5-5 ACC) lost 76-74 at Wake Forest, while the Cavaliers (10-12, 3-8 ACC) fell 75-74 at home against Virginia Tech.

Pittsburgh Looking to Rebound at Home

Pittsburgh had won two straight before falling to Wake Forest in a close contest. The Panthers led by five early in the second half but could not hold on. Wake Forest sealed the game with six free throws in the final 22 seconds.

Pitt was perfect from the free-throw line, going 20-for-20, but struggled from the field. Damian Dunn led the way with a season-high 24 points, while Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett combined for 30 points but shot just 8-for-26.

Panthers coach Jeff Capel acknowledged his team’s missed opportunities, saying they had chances but did not capitalize. He emphasized the need to finish better in close games.

Despite the loss, Pitt has been strong at home with a 10-2 record this season, giving them confidence heading into this matchup.

Virginia Looking for Road Success

Virginia nearly pulled off a comeback win against Virginia Tech but fell just short. The Cavaliers trailed by 13 points at one point but rallied to take the game down to the final shot. Andrew Rohde had a chance to win it at the buzzer but missed a contested runner.

Isaac McKneely led Virginia with 19 points, and Rohde added 12 off the bench. McKneely, who is averaging 13.3 points per game and shooting 42.3 percent from three-point range, continues to be the team’s most reliable scorer.

Virginia’s struggles on the road have been a major concern. They have won just one road game this season, a victory against Miami on January 29. They will need to improve their execution away from home to have a chance against Pitt.

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Head-to-Head History

Virginia holds a 19-6 all-time lead in the series, but Pitt has won the last two meetings, including a 74-63 victory last season. The Panthers will look to extend their winning streak over the Cavaliers, while Virginia will try to snap their recent struggles in this matchup.

Key Matchups

Jaland Lowe vs. Isaac McKneely: Both guards are their team’s leading scorers and could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.

Pitt’s Free Throw Shooting vs. Virginia’s Defense: The Panthers were flawless from the line in their last game, but Virginia’s defensive pressure could make a difference.

Ishmael Leggett’s Efficiency: Leggett has been a key contributor for Pitt, but his shooting struggles against Wake Forest were costly. His performance could be a deciding factor.

Final Thoughts

Both teams are in need of a win, making this a crucial game in the ACC standings. Pittsburgh will look to defend its home court and avoid back-to-back losses, while Virginia aims to secure a much-needed road victory. With both teams showing the ability to compete in tight games, this matchup could come down to execution in the final minutes.