Monday night’s 71-66 win over West Virginia might not look like a big one for Pitt basketball, but it was. It was a road win in a tough place to play against a bitter rival in a conference that’s made its reputation on upsets. And when you throw in the fact that Pitt was able to win without its best player after the first half they had, this was a huge victory.
Pitt Basketball Wins On Road At West Virginia Without Ashton Gibbs
SB Nation Pittsburgh singles out Traveon Woodall, who had the unenviable task of replacing Ashton Gibbs.
All eyes of Pitt fans were on Travon Woodall, who was filling in for the injured Ashton Gibbs. Woodall had a first half to forget, going 1-6 from the field for only four points. But he found his shot in the second as he finished 4-11 and had 12 points, three assists, and two steals. Woodall also hit the team’s only three-pointer of the game late in the second half and had only one turnover.
Panther blog Cardiac Hill doesn't call out head coach Jamie Dixon often but they make an exception for the way the Pitt covered WVU's Deniz Kilicli.
Gary McGhee had a solid game going 5-6 from the field and ended with 13 points and six rebounds. But he was stymied by WVU big man Deniz Kilicli who had the game of his life...
This blog doesn't make a habit out of calling out Jamie Dixon, but he certainly should have made an adjustment. Playing McGhee straight up on Kilicli, allowing him to catch the ball at will, was a mistake. Pitt should have doubled up on him and made it harder for West Virginia to get him the ball.
Both teams are back in action on Saturday as Pitt takes on Villanova while West Virginia faces DePaul.
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