The Pitt Panthers came into the year as one of the best teams in the Country, but a winless start to Conference play has them as an afterthought at this point in the Season. But a surprisingly good showing against the undefeated and No. 1 ranked Syracuse Orange, the Panthers are starting to feel like they are finally playing some good basketball, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Post-Gazette.
"We're close," senior guard Ashton Gibbs said. "It's definitely obvious that we were right there with one of the best teams in the country. The little things are the only things separating us from all these other teams."
In their two most recent games the Panthers were either in control or in striking distance before allowing their opponent to go on brief but decisive runs. If the Panthers can just play 40 minutes straight without giving up those kinds of runs, they could be a totally different team. They'll have a good chance to make a statement when they face Louisville this weekend.
For more on the game and Pitt basketball, check out SB Nation’s Pitt blog, Cardiac Hill.