Miami Has Opportunity to End Road Trip on High Note Against Pitt

The ACC has been one of the most surprising conferences in college basketball this season, with many teams either under or overachieving their respective preseason expectations.

One of those teams has been Pittsburgh (14-7, 7-3 ACC), which is ranked fifth in the ACC’s standings after finishing 11th just a year ago. This red-hot start to conference play will be put to the test on Saturday at 4 p.m., as the Panthers face off against Miami (16-4, 7-3 ACC), which has established itself as one of the conference’s best teams this year.

The Hurricanes enter this matchup coming off a commanding win against in-state rival Florida State on Tuesday. Miami was led by its guard play, with Isaiah Wong and Nijel Pack both scoring a game-high 18 points.

Pack’s emergence as of late has elevated the Hurricanes’ offense with his ability to space the floor and score points in bunches. The Kansas State transfer has averaged 17 points per game and has shot 50% from the field over his last three contests. 

Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga credits this recent elevation in play as a result of the first-year Hurricane’s increased comfort with his role on the team.

“I think everybody knows Nijel went from being predominantly a shooting guard to a point guard. It’s a huge difference in responsibility,” Larrañaga said to reporters on Thursday. “I think he’s getting more and more comfortable at his position.”

Pack and Wong will be challenged by the Panthers’ experienced guard trio of seniors Nelly Cummings, Greg Elliot and Jamarius Burton. All three players average at least 10.2 points per game and spearhead Pitt’s defense, which allows the fifth-fewest points per game in the ACC.

Aside from their guard play and stout defense, the Panthers have bested their opponents by shooting the ball exceptionally well this season. Pitt enters this contest ranked seventh in conference 3-point percentage and third in total makes from beyond the arc.

Preventing Pitt from finding its rhythm from deep has been a focal point for Larrañaga and his coaching staff in preparation for this game.

“[Pitt’s] a lights-out 3-point shooting team,” Larrañaga said. “They’re really gonna challenge our defense.”

Miami will be looking to achieve its third-straight win over head coach Jeff Capel and the Panthers. The game is set to air on ESPNU.