Dec 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Ishmael Leggett (5) brings the ball up court on a fast break against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images While Pitt’s record is trending in the wrong direction, the team’s morale is holding steady — at least for now.
Riding a four-game losing streak, Pitt is desperate for a win Saturday as it visits Syracuse in Atlantic Coast Conference action.
The Panthers (12-6, 3-4 ACC) took a five-game winning streak into their road matchup against No. 4 Duke on Jan. 7. They lost that contest by 29 points, a humbling defeat that was followed by losses to Louisville, Florida State and Clemson.
In the 78-75 overtime setback against the Tigers last Saturday, Pitt lost despite 18 points from Ishmael Leggett and 15 points from Cameron Cohen, who shot 7-of-7 from the field.
“I loved our fight,” Leggett said. “I loved everything about who we were. We didn’t fold under pressure. We were down 10 at half, but we kept fighting, kept fighting, kept fighting and stayed in the fight. It didn’t go our way today, but I love the way that we handled ourselves when we played.”
Coach Jeff Capel’s mindset is that the team’s current skid is, if nothing else, a test of character.
“If used properly, this could be a time where you learn so much about yourself that you become tougher and stronger,” Capel said. “At least, that’s been our experience the past couple of years. You find out the true character of your team. I think this team has solid character. I think we have good leadership. Certainly, it’s tested right now.”
Meanwhile, the Orange (9-10, 3-5) are going through their own issues following two blowout losses in the past three games. J.J. Starling scored 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting in an 86-72 loss Wednesday at Clemson, but only one of his teammates scored in double figures as Eddie Lampkin Jr. added 14.
“We know what J.J. can do, but we need five guys,” Orange coach Adrian Autry said. “He made some shots, but then other guys, everybody knows we got to pull our weight. We just didn’t do that.”
Lampkin has averaged 11.6 points and 11 rebounds over the past five games. His inside presence will be a big key if Syracuse hopes to defeat Pitt for the third straight time.
–Field Level Media
