Free throws a factor in back-to-back losses for Pitt women’s basketball team

The Pitt women’s basketball team got out to a fast start with a 5-1 record. Unfortunately, the Panthers have dropped their last two games to fall to 5-3 on the year.

What’s frustrating is that both have been extremely close losses. First was a tough loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge as the Panthers lost by only one, 58-57. A problem area for Pitt was the free throw line, which Suzie McConnell-Serio brought up after the game. The team was only 6-14 from the line and that just won’t cut it, obviously.

Next, the team dropped a disappointing 58-55 game to Fordham on the road. The Panthers lost a fourth quarter lead and free throws were again a factor, albeit a slightly different type of one. Pitt shot 80% from the line but only got there a total of five times as opposed to 15 for Fordham, who made 11. That type of disparity is a problem in such a close game.

On Thursday, the Panthers will play in the Backyard Brawl with rival West Virginia before the men’s team does the same on Saturday.

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 founder/editor @AnsonWhaley.