Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Pittsburgh Panthers Picks and Predictions December 4th 2024

No. 18 Pitt takes new poll position to Mississippi State

Get ready for an exciting clash as the No. 18-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers face the unranked but determined Mississippi State Bulldogs on Wednesday night in Starkville, Mississippi. Both teams bring compelling narratives to this SEC/ACC Challenge matchup, with Pittsburgh riding a wave of success and Mississippi State eager to bounce back.

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Pittsburgh’s Ascent: A Season of Momentum

Pittsburgh vaulted into the Associated Press Top 25 rankings at No. 18 after a thrilling overtime win against Ohio State last Friday. Zack Austin’s clutch game-winning 3-pointer not only sealed the victory but also marked the Panthers’ return to the Top 25 for the first time in 11 years.

Now standing at 7-1, the Panthers boast an impressive non-conference resume, including Quad 1 wins over West Virginia and Ohio State. These victories strengthen their NCAA Tournament case, provided they remain competitive in the ACC.

Pitt’s rise is reflected in advanced metrics:

• NET Rankings: Fifth overall.
• KenPom Metrics: 13th nationally.

This resurgence has sparked optimism within the program, with Austin confidently proclaiming after the Ohio State game, “Pitt is back.”

Prolific Backcourt Leading the Charge

The Panthers’ offense is powered by a dynamic backcourt:

• Ishmael Leggett: Averaging 18.4 points per game with a stellar 53.3% shooting from the field.
• Jaland Lowe: Adding 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Lowe showcased his versatility against Ohio State, scoring a career-high 28 points and delivering the game-winning assist to Austin.

Pitt head coach Jeff Capel’s trust in his players was evident in the closing seconds of the Ohio State game. Rather than calling a timeout after falling behind 90-88 with 6.6 seconds left, Capel relied on Lowe’s ability to create a play. The result? A decisive, highlight-reel shot by Austin.

Mississippi State’s Redemption Arc

Mississippi State (6-1) is looking to rebound after a disappointing 87-77 loss to Butler last Friday. That defeat knocked the Bulldogs out of the Top 25 and exposed vulnerabilities in their defense, as Butler shot an efficient 52.8% from the field and nailed 12 of 22 three-pointers.

Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans expressed frustration with his team’s defensive effort:
“We struggled guarding the basketball. All game long, we were just really frustrated with our defensive effort.”

Despite the loss, offensive standouts Josh Hubbard and Riley Kugel delivered impressive performances. Hubbard, who is averaging 19.1 points per game this season, scored 22 points alongside Kugel, a Florida transfer who added another 22.

High Stakes in Starkville

Both teams bring high stakes into Wednesday’s game:

• For Pittsburgh: A win would solidify its spot in the rankings and bolster its tournament resume. A loss, however, could dampen its momentum heading into ACC play.
• For Mississippi State: This is an opportunity to reestablish its identity as a defensively sound team while securing a signature win against a ranked opponent.

Mississippi State coach Jans expects his team to come out with renewed intensity:
“We’re going to be riled up, lathered up. Pitt is a really good basketball team.”

Historical Context: A Familiar Foe

These teams last met in the 2023 NCAA Tournament’s First Four, where Pitt eked out a narrow 60-59 victory. That game showcased the Panthers’ resilience and highlighted the importance of clutch performances in high-pressure situations. The rematch in Starkville promises to rekindle that competitive spirit.

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Key Matchups to Watch

1. Jaland Lowe vs. Mississippi State’s Perimeter Defense:
   • Lowe’s ability to create scoring opportunities and distribute the ball will test the Bulldogs’ ability to recover from their defensive lapses.
2. Josh Hubbard vs. Pitt’s Backcourt:
   • Hubbard’s scoring consistency will be crucial as Mississippi State looks to keep pace with Pitt’s prolific offense.
3. Rebounding Battle:
   • Both teams will need strong performances on the boards to control the pace of the game.

What’s at Stake?

This game represents a pivotal moment for both programs:

• Pitt: Riding high on newfound national attention, the Panthers aim to prove they belong among the elite.
• Mississippi State: A win would restore confidence and provide a much-needed boost as the Bulldogs navigate a challenging season.

Conclusion

The SEC/ACC Challenge matchup between No. 18 Pittsburgh and Mississippi State offers a blend of momentum, redemption, and high stakes. With Pitt’s prolific backcourt and Mississippi State’s determination to rebound defensively, fans can expect an intense, tightly contested game. Whether Pittsburgh continues its ascent or Mississippi State reclaims its footing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Starkville come Wednesday night.