Pitt vs. Wake Forest: Preview and Open Gamethread

With Wake Forest's win over Notre Dame yesterday, Pitt will face the Demon Deacons in their first ACC Tournament game. As we've been over, Pitt still has a good chance to make the NCAAs even if they fall short here, but the Panthers would be better off by not putting the decision in the hands of the selection committee. Point blank - if Pitt wins today's game, I don't see any conceivable way they miss the tournament.

Pitt and Wake Forest met earlier and the Panthers had a somewhat comfortable 15-point win. At 17-15, Wake isn't a terrible team. They had an ugly seven-game stretch where they went winless in the conference for a while, but also own wins against Duke and North Carolina. Those wins came at home, though, and the team is a dismal 1-9 on the road and 2-2 on neutral courts. Their best victory away from home was actually the Notre Dame win in their opening game.

The bottom line is that while Wake Forest can give Pitt a game if they play well, this is really one that Pitt should win. Playing in Greensboro makes this a pseudo road game for the Panthers, but I still like their chances here. Will be interesting to see who benefits more from this one - Pitt with the five-day layoff or Wake who just played yesterday.

Game is at 2:00 p.m. and if you're like most of us, you'll be working. But for those that aren't, check in and comment live during our open gamethread.

Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author and manager/editor of Cardiac Hill @AnsonWhaley