Panther hoops clawing through national rankings

At 7-1 through week five of college hoops, Pitt men’s basketball is making their name known as one of the best teams in the country. The Panthers sit at No. 18 in the AP Poll, No. 19 in the Coaches Poll and No. 5 in NET Rank.

The team has racked up big wins against West Virginia, LSU and Ohio State, while just barely falling to No. 11 Wisconsin by six. 

Pitt stares down a matchup against Mississippi State — a 6-1 team that received 20 votes in this week’s top-25 poll on Wednesday. The game stands as a big chance for the Panthers to keep their stock rising. 

While recognition is exciting, looking ahead, the Panthers need to stay tough and grounded in order to fare well throughout their tumultuous schedule.

Pitt is the second ACC team in the polls after No. 9 Duke. The Panthers will have this game along with a pair of contests against No. 20 UNC marked on their calendars as opportunities to prove themselves as the top dog — or cat — across the Atlantic Coast.