The Miami Hurricanes open their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play against the Pitt Panthers at the Watsco Center on December 30, 2023. With a record of 11-2, Miami enters this matchup riding a wave of momentum after securing victories over Georgetown and Ole Miss. Their only two losses this season have come against No. 22 Florida and No. 10 BYU, both of which were closely contested games primarily affected by missed free throws.
Miami now shifts its focus to conference play, where they have a solid opportunity to secure a place in the ACC Tournament. The upcoming schedule appears manageable, with several contests deemed winnable. Their ACC opener against the unranked Pitt Panthers (7-6) provides an opportunity to gain a valuable Quad 3 win.
Pitt Panthers Struggle for Consistency
The Pitt Panthers, under the leadership of head coach Jeff Capel, are looking to improve upon last season’s 17-15 record. They have faced a rocky start to the current campaign, characterized by inconsistency. After winning their first three games against Youngstown State, Longwood, and Eastern Michigan, Pitt has since lost six of its last ten matches. This erratic performance has raised questions about the team’s trajectory as they enter conference play.
Despite some highlights, including a buzzer-beater victory over Ohio State and a rivalry win against Penn State, Pitt’s season has been marred by unexpected home losses to teams like Quinnipiac and Hofstra. These setbacks have left the Panthers with a less-than-ideal record for NCAA Tournament consideration.
Pitt has not excelled in any specific area of play this season, struggling with quick ball movement and perimeter shooting. The team is characterized by a lack of depth and experience, relying heavily on a roster that features several freshmen and sophomores. As they prepare for Miami, they will seek to build on the recent chemistry developed during their last two games, both of which resulted in wins.
Key Players to Watch
For Pitt, the standout player has been senior forward Cameron Corhen. Transferring from Florida State, Corhen has emerged as a crucial asset for the Panthers, averaging 13.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. His physical presence and scoring ability in the paint will pose a challenge for Miami’s defense.
On the other side, Miami’s offense is led by guard Tre Donaldson. Serving as the primary ball handler, Donaldson has played a pivotal role in distributing the ball while providing offensive support. His ability to score efficiently and maintain defensive pressure will be essential for Miami’s success against Pitt.
As both teams prepare for this matchup, Miami’s game strategy will focus on several key areas. They need to defend the perimeter effectively, as Pitt has shown recent improvement in three-point shooting. The Hurricanes must also capitalize on forcing turnovers to leverage their defensive strengths. Currently, Miami ranks 37th nationally in opponent turnovers, making this an area where they can gain a significant advantage.
The matchup is set to take place at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida, at 19:00 E.T. on December 30. With Miami favored by 11.5 points, according to Fanduel odds, the Hurricanes are optimistic about starting their ACC campaign on a high note.
