Pitt Working Through Home Struggles

Capel believes the Pitt Panthers could use a change of scenery amidst their recent slide.

PITTSBURGH -- As the Pitt Panthers continue to falter on their home floor, Jeff Capel is cautiously optimistic about the prospects of hitting the road.  

Pitt's loss to Syracuse on Tuesday meant the program would have to continue and wait for its first win against a high major opponent at the Petersen Events Center this season. The Panthers have tallied a total of five losses against Power Six competition at home thus far, four of which have come at the hands of an ACC foe. 

With three-straight road games on the docket for the Panthers, getting away from home might be just what the doctor ordered. During his weekly appearance on The Capel Show on 93.7 The Fan this week, Capel stated that the change of scenery may help the Panthers get back into their groove and that he's been impressed with the team's recent road performances. 

"Two of our last three road games, we've played well. We really shot the ball and made shots at Louisville, we played really well in the first half at Syracuse and prior to that was at West Virginia," Capel said. "Hopefully we can make some shots, but more importantly we can just play with the type of energy, spirit, toughness, physical and mental toughness that's required to be a good basketball team."

While the Panthers' home and road splits may not seem egregious at first glance, a deeper dive reveals just how mightily the team has struggled in Pittsburgh as the competition has stiffened. In seven games at home against mid-majors this year, Pitt went a perfect 7-0 and averaged 87.2 points per game on 48.1% shooting from the field while holding their opponents to 58.7 points per game. Against power conference teams, however, the Panthers are currently shooting 35.1% and averaging 60.4 points in addition to giving up 72.8 points per game. 

Pitt's output away from home, however, is a different story. In five games, all of which have come against high majors, the Panthers have a record of 3-2 and are averaging 76.6 points on 41.7% shooting while limiting their opponents to 70.2 points per game. 

Capel acknowledged that the team has been pressing in its recent home games and that it's a habit the Panthers need to figure out as they continue to evolve and develop.

"Even the Duke game, it was a two-point, four-point, six-point game and we're right there, but all of a sudden we can't make a shot and they can't miss a shot, and then you see us just kind of press, and it's like the weight of the world on our shoulders," Capel said. "It's coming from a great place of 'we have to make something happen' or 'I have to make something happen,' but the result isn't that." 

The discrepancy in Pitt's numbers is startling, especially considering the home court advantage the team has fostered and the role it played in its run to the NCAA tournament last season. If it truly all boils down to the team's energy and mentality, perhaps the upcoming road trip will help the Panthers settle in and return home with a new lease on life down the stretch in conference play. 

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