Pittsburgh Panthers vs Eastern Kentucky Colonels Picks and Predictions December 11th 2024

Pitt Aims for Consistency as Eastern Kentucky Visits

After a rollercoaster stretch of games, Pitt (8-2) is eager to stabilize its play as it hosts Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday night. Following a strong 6-0 start, the Panthers have dropped two of their last four games, highlighting the need for consistency as the season progresses.

Pitt’s Defensive Resurgence Against Virginia Tech

Pitt bounced back from a tough 90-57 loss to Mississippi State in the SEC/ACC Challenge with a gritty 64-59 road victory over Virginia Tech. The Panthers leaned heavily on their defense, forcing 17 turnovers and holding the Hokies to 32 percent shooting from beyond the arc, including just 2-for-10 in the second half.

Jaland Lowe led the way offensively for Pitt with 19 points, while Ishmael Leggett contributed 17. Both players have been key contributors this season, averaging 17.1 and 17.0 points per game, respectively.

Head coach Jeff Capel praised his team’s effort in the Virginia Tech win:
“We just made plays, stayed the course, and got stops. We rebounded the basketball and made enough plays on the offensive end to win.”

Capel and the Panthers hope to carry that momentum into their matchup with Eastern Kentucky as they aim to reassert themselves as a consistent force.

Eastern Kentucky’s Push for Consistency

The Colonels (5-4) travel to Pittsburgh following a commanding 98-62 victory over Campbellsville-Harrodsburg, where they dominated the boards with 27 offensive rebounds. The win ended a two-game skid for Eastern Kentucky, which has shown flashes of potential this season.

Head coach A.W. Hamilton is optimistic about his team’s future, despite the ups and downs:
“We’ve got nine new guys and a superstar in Devontae Blanton. I love our group and believe we have a chance to have a really good basketball team.”

Blanton leads the Colonels with 16.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His ability to impact the game on multiple fronts will be critical against a tough Pitt defense. George Kimble III has also emerged as a key contributor, scoring 23 points in the Colonels’ recent victory.

Check out the latest John Wooden Award Odds & Predictions for detailed analysis and updates.

Keys to the Game

For Pitt, sustaining the defensive intensity seen against Virginia Tech will be crucial. The Panthers will also look for continued scoring contributions from Lowe and Leggett, who have been reliable throughout the season.

Eastern Kentucky must focus on rebounding and taking care of the ball to counter Pitt’s pressure defense. Blanton’s playmaking and leadership will be pivotal in keeping the Colonels competitive against a well-rounded Pitt squad.

This matchup provides an opportunity for both teams to build momentum as they strive for greater consistency, setting the stage for a competitive clash in Pittsburgh.