Virginia Basketball Notes: Pitt Game Begins Key Two Week Stretch

By: Chris Horne |
Virginia senior post Jay Huff, who has been tested defensively the past two games, looks to lead the Cavaliers into what figures to be a challenging 5-game stretch. ~ Photo courtesy Matt Riley/Virginia Athletics Media Relations

Because of COVID-19 issues within the Louisville and Florida State men’s basketball programs, the University of Virginia will face Pittsburgh on Saturday, February 6, at John Paul Jones Arena. The Hoos, who were set to take on the Cardinals, sit atop the ACC standings with an 8-1 conference record, while the Panthers, who were scheduled to take on the Seminoles, are coming off an 11-point home victory over Virginia Tech.

Barring any further COVID-19-related changes, UVA faces a challenging two-week stretch, beginning with a Pitt squad that is 2-1 on the road in conference play.

VIRGINIA’S REMAINING SCHEDULE AS OF 02/05

Feb. 6 – PITT

Feb. 10 – @Georgia Tech – The Yellow Jackets pushed Virginia in Charlottesville and boast a 4-0 home conference record that includes wins over UNC and Florida State.

Feb. 13 – UNC – The Tar Heels feature a strong post presence, something that has given UVA trouble the past two games, but have just a 2-4 road record in the ACC.

Feb. 15 – @Florida State – The Seminoles are currently in second place in the conference and are a perfect 5-0 at home.

Feb. 20 – @Duke – Though they are only 7-6 overall, the talented Blue Devils currently boast a 4-0 home conference mark.

Feb. 24 – NC STATE

Mar. 1 – MIAMI

Mar. 6 – @Louisville

The Pitt game came together seamlessly, but what about future opportunities for previously postponed matchups such as Louisville (home), Virginia Tech (home) and Wake Forest (away)? Following his team’s win over NC State, Virginia head coach Tony Bennett was asked specifically if he had any hope of making up the Virginia Tech game in Charlottesville.

“I have no idea,” Bennett answered. “I can’t even comment on that. You know, you look for opportunities, but it has to make sense. They tried and slam us in there and said, ‘Oh we can play here’, and there would be have been like three or four game in seven days. I was like, ‘Heck no’. You have to look out for the best for your team. You want to play quality games, and [Virginia Tech is] one and all that, but it has to make sense. There’s a balance to it.

“I don’t know where all that lies, who has the say and who doesn’t. It seems a little sporadic with all of that. We’re going to try to make up the games, but if they make sense. I’m not going to be pushed if they don’t make sense. No way, no how.”

A CAPABLE PITT TEAM

Head coach Jeff Capel’s Pitt squad carries a 9-5 record, including a 5-4 conference mark, into Charlottesville. The Panthers have ACC road victories over Miami and Syracuse. The lone road conference loss was a one-point decision to Wake Forest in which the Panthers blew a 12-point second-half lead. The loss in Winston-Salem was one of three straight setbacks the Panthers had before they defeated Virginia Tech on Wednesday (Feb. 3).

Of Pitt’s nine wins on the season, five have come against teams with winning records – Tech (13-4), Syracuse (10-5) twice, Duke (7-6) and Drexel (7-6). The Panthers have had some eye-catching explosive outings, though, posting 96 in a 20-point home win over Syracuse and 83 against the Hokies. Pitt defeated Duke, 79-73, at home on January 19.

Players To Watch

Pitt’s top player is forward Justin Champagnie, who is a leading candidate for ACC Player of the Year. The 6’6”, 200-pound sophomore is averaging 19.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. He can score inside and outside, as he is averaging 37.5% from beyond the arc.

Au’Diese Toney, a 6’5” wing, is second in scoring with an average of 14.6 points per game. He also crashes the boards well, averaging 6.0 rebounds per contest. Toney averages only 31% from beyond the arc but is making 45.2% of his field goals.

Leading the way in the Panther backcourt are Xavier Johnson (14.5 PPG, 32.8% 3PFG, almost 80% FT in 74 attempts, 86 assists and 45 turnovers) and Ithiel Horton (9.1 PPG, 36.7% 3PFG, second best on team among players who have played double-digit games). Johnson, a point guard who measures in at 6’3”, 200 pounds, exploded for 32 points on 11-of-17 shooting (4-of-7 from 3) against Virginia Tech, so we’ll see if he can continue his stellar play on Saturday.

The Panthers Play Good Defense From Beyond The Arc, And They Crash The Boards

Glancing at the Panthers in 2020-21, Pitt is averaging 73.1 points per game while surrendering an averaging of 69.1. They are making 42.8% of their field goals and 32.6% of their 3s while holding opponents to 41.8% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the arc (converting around the basketball could be a key for Virginia if the 3-point percentage defense holds for Pitt).

Pitt players have gotten to the line frequently, as they are averaging 14.9 free throw attempts per contest. Toney and Johnson have over 70 attempts apiece. As a team, Pitt is shooting 67.5% from the charity stripe.

Turnovers have hampered the Panthers at times, as they are surrendering 12.4 per game and have had double-digit turnovers in 10 of 14 games. However, Pitt has single-digit turnovers in each of its past two games.

Rebounding could be an area of concern for Virginia coming into this matchup. UVA was outrebounded by Virginia Tech (30-24 in a loss) and NC State (31-24 in a win) in the last two games. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is outrebounding opponents on average 40.5 to 35.3. The Panthers crash the offensive glass to the tune of 13 per game – Champagnie averages 3.4 offensive rebounds per game, while Toney averages 2.5, so watch out for those two on the offensive glass. UVA surrendered 11 offensive boards to the Wolfpack.

THE SHEDRICK WATCH

Redshirt freshman Kadin Shedrick has been sidelined since Jan. 6 (Wake Forest game) because of illness. With teams more and more trying to take advantage of UVA in the paint, fans have been wondering when the athletic 6’11” post will return.

Shedrick was shown in warmups hours before the games against Virginia Tech and NC State (above, the fourth one taking a shot), leading to further speculation about his return. Coach Bennett addressed the North Carolina native’s status his past Monday (Feb. 1), during the weekly ACC coaches teleconference.

“I don’t think so, but he’s moving in the right direction, so that’s good,” Bennett said when asked if Shedrick could soon see the floor. “Starting to do more things. Unfortunately, when you have an illness and he’s been away a little bit, you’ve got to get your stamina back and you’ve got to start working, but I think he’s moving in the right direction. I’m hopeful that he’s closer, but it’s been an unfortunate time away from lifting and activity and all that stuff, but it’s starting to ramp up.”

Shedrick has played in six games this season, receiving a high of 18 minutes and scoring a career-high 12 points against St. Francis (PA). He has made 8-of-15 field goals, has 16 rebounds and two blocks in total.

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