Grades for Pitt men’s basketball victory over Wake Forest

Pitt men’s basketball defeated Wake Forest on Wednesday for their fourth victory of the season. The Panthers struggled in the first half but found a way to win in the second half. The win was much-needed as it gave Pitt another quad-two victory to boost its NCAA tournament resume.

Here are my grades from the contest.

Jeff Capel: B+

The Panthers’ head coach Jeff Capel needs praise for his rotation change in the second half of Wednesday’s game. Capel opted for a small ball lineup with redshirt junior forward Will Jeffress subbing in at center. 

With a 6-foot-7 frame, Jeffress was an unorthodox pick to fill in at center. But Jeffress shined in his role and stifled the Demon Deacons junior center Efton Reid III. Before Jeffress subbed in, Reid dominated the Panthers in the paint, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. 

Will Jeffress: A

The Panthers forward played well out of position, which would have automatically given him a good grade. However, Jeffress’ ability to step up at a moment’s notice is what gave him an A grade.

Jeffress checked in with 9:46 remaining in the second half and played until the game concluded. Reid scored just one basket in that period. 

Jeffress stepped up when the Panthers needed him despite playing seven total minutes in Pitt’s previous three games combined. 

Blake Hinson, Carlton Carrington and Ishmael Leggett: A+

I can’t give senior forward Blake Hinson, first-year guard Carlton Carrington or junior guard Ishmael Leggett a grade lower than A+. The trio carried the Panthers’ offense in the second half, scoring 43 of the Panthers’ 50 second-half points on 14-for-21 shooting. 

Leggett has shined in his new role as the Panthers’ sixth man after an injury moved him to the bench. A three-pointer from the half-court logo followed by an and-one layup gave the Panthers a five-point lead that they didn’t surrender for the rest of the game.

Federiko Federiko: D+

All was not well for the Panthers despite the victory. Junior center Federiko Federiko arguably had his worst performance of the season. While Federiko finished with six points and seven rebounds, the junior center was thoroughly dominated by Reid.

On the offensive end, Federiko finished 1-for-5 from the field, including multiple missed contested layups. The junior center needs to step up, or Capel will have to play Jeffress more often. 

The Panthers return to action Saturday against Notre Dame at 6 p.m.