The Pitt Panthers snapped a five-game losing streak with a gritty 73-68 victory over Notre Dame at the Petersen Events Center. This win was a much-needed boost for Jeff Capel's squad, showcasing standout performances, especially from sophomore guard Nojus Indrusaitis. Let’s dive into what made this game memorable for the Panthers.
Making the Key Plays
The first half was a classic battle between two teams struggling in the ACC standings. Neither Pitt nor Notre Dame lit up the scoreboard, with the Panthers leading 23-20 at halftime after a combined 17-58 shooting performance.
It wasn't pretty, but Pitt came out with renewed energy in the second half, quickly building a 37-26 lead. However, Notre Dame wasn't going down without a fight, briefly taking a 49-48 lead thanks to a Carson Towt dunk.
Pitt found themselves in familiar territory, but this time, they rose to the occasion. Coach Jeff Capel praised his team's resilience, noting their defensive strength and execution on offense during crucial moments.
A pivotal 10-0 run, sparked by Indrusaitis, put Pitt ahead 58-49 with just under four minutes left. Despite Notre Dame's late push, the Panthers held firm, ending their losing streak.
Confidence Booster
The Panthers' ability to deliver a 'kill shot'-a term used by analyst Evan Miyakawa for decisive 10-0 runs-was a game-changer. Pitt's offense, often inconsistent this season, found its rhythm when it mattered most. Indrusaitis, who has experienced ups and downs, stepped up with a career-high 17 points, hitting four of six from beyond the arc.
Indrusaitis, once a top-100 recruit, has struggled to find his footing in college. His journey from a heralded high school player to a bench role at Iowa State and now a key contributor at Pitt has been challenging. Coach Capel emphasized the importance of confidence and resilience, urging Indrusaitis to stay strong and focused.
His performance on Saturday was a testament to his potential. Indrusaitis also contributed five rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while maintaining composure with only one turnover in 27 minutes. His confidence seemed to grow with each play, a promising sign for Pitt moving forward.
Stopping the Bleeding
While a 10-17 record isn't easy to spin positively, this victory over Notre Dame offered a glimmer of hope. The Panthers endured a tough stretch against ranked opponents, suffering five consecutive losses. Saturday's win doesn't erase those struggles, but it does provide a morale boost.
Coach Capel acknowledged the team's recent difficulties but highlighted their strong performance against Notre Dame. Roman Siulepa was instrumental with 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Cam Corhen added 13 points and eight rebounds. These contributions are crucial as Pitt looks to build momentum.
Looking ahead, Pitt faces a challenging schedule with upcoming games against Stanford, Cal, Florida State, and Syracuse. While they may not be favored in these matchups, the competition isn't as daunting as their recent slate. Splitting these final games could provide a sense of achievement and a potential spot in the ACC Tournament.
Saturday's win was a bright spot in an otherwise tough season. At 3-11 in ACC play, the Panthers have a lot of work ahead, but this victory could be the spark they need to finish strong.