Pittsburgh Panthers Basketball: Lessons To Learn From Duke's Lopsided Victory, Ample Time Remaining
An In-Depth Analysis of the Panthers' Struggles and Path Forward
The Pittsburgh Panthers basketball team's 82-54 loss to the Duke Blue Devils on November 15, 2022, was a resounding defeat that raised questions about the team's potential for the upcoming season. The Panthers, who were picked to finish in the middle of the ACC, were outplayed in all aspects of the game by a Duke team that is considered a national championship contender. While the loss was certainly disappointing, it also provided some valuable lessons that the Panthers can learn from as they move forward.
Lack of Depth Exposed
One of the biggest problems that the Panthers faced against Duke was their lack of depth. The Panthers only played seven players for significant minutes, and those players were all fatigued by the end of the game. Duke, on the other hand, was able to rotate 10 players into the game, and those players were all fresh and energetic throughout the game. This depth advantage allowed Duke to wear down the Panthers and take control of the game in the second half.
Offensive Struggles Continue
The Panthers have struggled to score points all season long, and this problem continued against Duke. The Panthers shot just 36.7% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range. They also committed 16 turnovers, which led to easy baskets for Duke. The Panthers need to find ways to generate more offense if they want to be successful this season.
Defensive Lapses
The Panthers' defense has also been a problem this season, and this was evident against Duke. The Panthers allowed Duke to shoot 52.6% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. They also allowed Duke to score 20 points off of turnovers. The Panthers need to improve their defensive intensity and communication if they want to be able to compete with the top teams in the ACC.
Time for Improvement
While the loss to Duke was disappointing, it is important to remember that the Panthers are still early in their season. They have plenty of time to improve their play and make a run in the ACC. The Panthers need to focus on the following areas in order to improve:
- Increase their depth. The Panthers need to find ways to get more players involved in the game. This will help them to avoid fatigue and keep their energy level up throughout the game.
- Improve their offensive efficiency. The Panthers need to find ways to generate more offense. This could involve running more sets, getting more players involved in the scoring, or simply shooting the ball better.
- Tighten up their defense. The Panthers need to improve their defensive intensity and communication. This will help them to prevent their opponents from scoring easy baskets.
Conclusion
The Panthers' loss to Duke was a disappointing result, but it also provided some valuable lessons that the team can learn from. The Panthers need to improve their depth, offensive efficiency, and defensive intensity if they want to be successful this season. They have plenty of time to make these improvements, and if they do, they have the potential to be a competitive team in the ACC.
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