Dutelle’s Take

DePaul is an athletic team that likes to push the ball up the floor. In years past, this would… DePaul is an athletic team that likes to push the ball up the floor. In years past, this would have been a problem for Pitt. Not this year, though.

With as athletic of a team as Pitt has ever had, the pace should prove to be tolerable, if not favorable, for this Panther squad. Jamie Dixon has the guards to run with a team like DePaul, which has the athletes to present a number of matchup problems. Guard play is, therefore, counteracted, given that each team can get upcourt, fill the lanes with the fast break and can shoot the 3 if that breaks down.

The key is, then, Aaron Gray. He hasn’t scored in double figures since the loss to Oklahoma State. While he is finding open players with his improved passing, Gray needs to assert himself. Look for Pitt to go inside early and often as the Panthers pick up a solid road win.

Geoff’s Prediction:

Pitt – 86 DePaul – 75