WSU VS PITT Game 2 Preview
By Caleb Davis
Washington State will go on the road to face the Pitt Panthers in game 2 of a best of 3 series on Wednesday. Looking forward at the match up I believe we will see a really close game.
In game one we saw:
Pitt can shoot the ball. The Panthers shot just over 55% from the field in the first half but took a major step back in the second half finishing with 44% for the game. If they get out to a hot start like that at home, the Cougs will have a tough time battling back and staying in the game.
The Cougs put on for their fans. At home Washington State is near unstoppable finishing with a record of 11-3 at home. Red hot shooting and lock down defense has been key when playing at Beasley Coliseum. Pitt is 15-7 at home this year. The bad news is WSU has more than struggled on the road. The Cougars are just 7-12 on the road this year.
The Cougs have to share the wealth. With Brock Motum out on Monday, Washington State found scoring from many different sources. 7 out of the 9 players who touched the court last night scored. To come away with a championship the Cougars are going to have to do more of the same come Wednesday. Right now Brock is listed as questionable but I saw him limping around at the game Monday and I’d say questionable is putting it lightly. Once again WSU must come together and make a team effort on the road.
Finally here are my Cougar keys to the game:
Don’t get in a shootout. Come out strong defensively and don’t give them open looks from deep. Keep the crowd out of it, Keep yourself in it.
Work well without the ball. On Monday, Wazzu was standing around a lot. That played in the advantage of Pitts defense where they were able to create turnovers on the blocks when we tried to pass the ball inside because we were out of position.
Last, Seniors bring home a title for your school. Yes, it’s the CBI but in the last four years you guys have been here we haven’t had a single title, no pac10/12 championships (regular season or otherwise) no post season triumphs. It’s time to leave your mark. This is your last chance so play like it! Do this and we’ll see you back in Pullman with that trophy and banner.