Gameday Preview – Pitt at Wake Forest – Sat Feb 1st 2025

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (15-6, 7-3 ACC) host the Pittsburgh Panthers (14-6, 5-4 ACC) in a pivotal ACC matchup with huge March implications. The Demon Deacons have lost two straight games after compiling their longest ACC winning streak this millenia. The Panthers are riding a two game win streak after dropping their previous four. As of today, the Panthers are slated as an 11-seed in the NCAA tournament and the Deacons are on the outside looking in as the next 4 out.

The Demon Deacons traveled to Louisville and took on the red-hot, 21st ranked, Cardinals in a midweek ACC matchup. The Cardinals blitzed the Deacs winning 72-59 in which the final score was not indicative of the game played. The Deacons went into the half down 45-21 as the Cardinals rode a 12-0 run midway through the half. The Cardinals finished the game with 11 made 3 pointers and went 15-21 from the line. The Deacons star Hunter Salis was ejected after receiving his second technical foul with 14:47 left in the game and finished with a team high 13 points and 5 boards.

The Pitt Panthers topped the UNC Tar Heels 73-65 for their second consecutive win. The Panthers were led by Jaland Lowe’s 18 points coupled with Zach Austin’s and Ishmael Leggette’s 15 points. The Tar Heels went into halftime with a 2 point advantage and were in a back and forth contest until the Panther’s Austin drained a three pointer with 2:35 to play that gave Pitt a 67-65 lead. The Tar Heels could not overcome the deficit and left Pittsburgh losers 3 of their last 4 games. The Tar Heels were led by senior RJ Davis’ 16 points and 5 assists. 

Key Points

Wake Forest 

• Bring back the Joel magic. The Deacs were undefeated and well on their way to remaining that way until the final minutes of their matchup with the Blue Devils last Saturday. The Deacs need the W, get the Joel loud and use the 6th man advantage.
• Find their range. The Deacs went 0-8 in the first half against the Devils from the arc. They need to shoot the three at a respectable clip. Patrick Freidrichsen made two 3’s against the Cardinals, Salis made 3. The Deacs need more reliable 3 point shooting.
• Efton Reid needs another big game. Reid is coming off an 11 point, 13 rebound performance against Lousiville. He will be matched up against Pitts 7 foot Diaz-Graham twin centers. If the Deacs try shooting from the arc, they will need rebounding and interior superiority. 

Pittsburgh

• Force the issue. The Deacs committed 15 turnovers against Lousiville. Forcing the Deacons to give up easy baskets can neutralize the crowd and force Wake to play from behind.
• Continue their defensive efficiency, especially in the second half. After giving up 42 in the first half against Carolina, they only allowed 21 in the second to an offense that loves to score. If they get ahead, the Deacs will not be able to score enough to get back into it.
• Control the boards. The Panthers are 12-0 when winning the rebounding battle. They are -58 on the boards in their 6 losses. Rebounding leads to wins for the Panthers.