Morgantown, WV - Pitt basketball faces its first major road test Thursday night against West Virginia, entering a notoriously hostile environment with a roster largely inexperienced in high-pressure, away-game scenarios. The matchup presents a unique challenge for the Panthers, who boast eight first-year players and are preparing for their initial taste of both a rivalry game and a important road crowd.
The game at the WVU Coliseum marks a crucial early-season trial for Pitt, aiming to build resilience ahead of ACC play. The last time the Panthers played in Morgantown, on December 6, 2023, 12,301 fans filled the arena.Coach Jeff Capel emphasized the novelty of the trip for his young team, noting they’ve never been on the road in college, played before a large crowd, or stayed in a hotel together for a game.
“Everything that we’re doing is new,” Capel said. “We’re getting ready to go on the road. They’ve never been on the road in college. They’ve never played in front of a big crowd - I’m assuming there’s going to be a big crowd there on Thursday. We’re going to be in someone else’s gym. We’ll be in a hotel together – that’s something we haven’t done. All of this stuff is new.”
The Panthers’ preparation is further intricate by the uncertain status of guard brandin Cummings, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained in practise. Cummings,averaging 18.5 points, missed Monday’s 78-66 win over Eastern Michigan.His absence saw Jorge Indrusaitis enter the starting lineup, contributing nine points and three rebounds.
Despite the challenges,Capel is focused on his team’s growth. “I know it’s a big game. I know it’s a different game – I understand that,” Capel stated. “I understand the rivalry, I understand the passion, intensity and all of that with it. We really, really want to win. But the main things I want us to get better at are: I want us to play well.”
