Notre Dame-Wake Forest Will Determine Pitt's Opponent

The Pitt Panthers are a little closer to learning who their ACC quarterfinal opponent is.

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Pitt Panthers gained a little more clarity on who they will face in their quarterfinal matchup of the ACC Tournament in Washington, D.C. 

Before the Panthers even arrived in the nation's capital, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame squared off in the first game of the tournament for the right to face Wake Forest 24 hours later. With the Irish/Yellow Jackets emerging victorious, 84-80, the second round contest between Georgia Tech/Notre Dame and Wake Forest will determine who meets Pitt in the quarterfinals. 

The Irish were in control for most of the game. A 10-0 run early in the first half gave Notre Dame a 12-point lead. They extended it to as many as 14 points just before halftime. A Matt Zona 3-pointer made it a 17-point game with 12:59 to play before Georgia Tech finally got some shots to fall. 

A 10-4 burst just before the midway point of the second half got the Jackets' deficit to nine with 9:35 left. A 10-1 run for the Jackets made it a two-point game with 7:51 left in the second half. Georgia Tech even took the lead but their ineffectual offense led to turnovers on their final two possessions, which sealed the loss. 

The Panthers sit as the four seed and will have to wait another day before learning of their first opponent of the tournament. Luckily, they won't have to wait long - Notre Dame and Wake Forest will play the second game of the afternoon. 

Pitt will tip off the second game of the following day against the winner of Notre Dame/Georgia Tech-Wake Forest at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2. 

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