Pitt-Colgate Open Game Thread

Opponent: Colgate Raiders

Conference: Patriot

Current Record: 8-4 (0-0)

Last Game: Dec. 15, W 82-66 vs Marist

2017 Season: 19-14 (12-6) 2nd

Key Losses: F Jordan Swopshire (12.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, graduation), G Sean O’Brien (10.7 ppg)

Key Players: G Jordan Burns (17.0 ppg, 4.5 apg), F Rapolas Ivanauskas (14.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg), F Will Rayman (13.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg)

Burns makes the offense go. Colgate is a team of spot-up shooters and Burns is the only player who can consistently create his own shot. Rayman is the do-everything forward. Ivanauskas is a former 4-star recruit who transferred to Colgate after two injury-riddled seasons at Northwestern. He had played only 11 total minutes in his career prior to this season. Colgate has only made two NCAA Tournaments in their history. The Adonal Foyle teams of the mid-90s made two consecutive appearances as a 16th seed but lost to Kansas and UConn.

Last Meeting: Feb 17, 1973 Pitt 76, Colgate 63

What we might’ve said in the recap: “Billy Knight is really good. Pitt could be a tournament team next year.”

Prediction: The emergence of Ivanauskas might make Colgate the Patriot League favorite. Pitt has responded well to the recent transfers by annihilating their last two opponents. This one will be close in the second half before Pitt pulls away. Pitt 80 Colgate 62.

Hail to Pitt.