The Pitt Panthers men's basketball season is now hanging by a very small thread. They will look to gain some leverage in a do or die situation tomorrow night. The first round of the ACC Tournament will put the Panthers against the NC State Wolfpack in Greensboro, NC. Pitt enters the game as the 10 seed, while NC State comes in at the number 7 seed.
A win wouldn't get Pitt into the NCAA Tourney yet. They let that one slip away over the course of the last couple of weeks and now need more than one win to get back in that conversation. It would give a tiny flicker of hope to Panther fans itching to see them get into the Big Dance. Right now, Jamie Dixon's squad limps into the game with a 19-13 record and 8-10 in the ACC.
Mike Gottfried, on the other hand, is looking to solidify the Wolfpack's resume with one more win and are riding high after taking five out of their last six games, including a few upsets. NC State could hold a little bit of a psychological advantage over Pitt heading into tomorrow night after an 18 point victory in early January. That victory contributed to the Wolfpack's current record of 19-12 and 10-8 in the conference.
The good news about this time of year is that you can view the game no matter where you live on national TV. The game will tip-off at 7PM tomorrow night and can be seen on ESPN2. The Greensboro Coliseum will provide the setting. Break out the lucky charms and say a prayer to whoever you worship before this one...it's judgement day for the Panthers and much earlier than they are used too.
The Panthers aren't the only ones that are struggling this year, as is evidenced by our records below. The writers of Cardiac Hill are split on this one. Let's hope Anson and Aron know something the rest of us don't. Chime in below and let us know your thoughts on the game.
Chris (11-6): NC State
Jim (11-6): NC State
Anson (10-7): Pitt
JD (10-7): NC State
Aron (8-9): Pitt
Stephen (8-9): NC State
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