Au’Diese Toney out for Pitt-North Carolina matchup

For the second straight game, Pitt will be without the services of Panthers wing Au’Diese Toney, as he is still recovering from a left elbow injury that he suffered in practice prior to Pitt’s matchup with Wake Forest last Saturday. The loss of Toney will test Pitt’s depth at an inopportune time, as the team is set to take on North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Pitt has historically struggled against North Carolina, as the Panthers own a 2-14 record against the Tar Heels. In addition, they have lost their last six matchups and are 0-7 at the Dean Dome, where the two teams will face off on Wednesday night.

Toney made eight starts in Pitt’s first 13 games of the season, and he averaged 6.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in a span of 24.8 minutes per game. While the 6’6”, 210-pound wing got off to a slow start this season, he hit his stride in December, amassing 10 or more points and six or more rebounds in three of his last five games.

Against Wake Forest, Ryan Murphy started in Toney’s place and led Pitt in scoring with 18 points. However, Justin Champagnie struggled with his three-point shot, going 1-of-6 on the day, and Gerald Drumgoole went scoreless in the seven minutes that he spent on the court against the Demon Deacons.

Toney’s long-term status is unclear, and a timetable for his return was not provided.