Looking ahead to tipoff ...
• What: Pitt (1-2, 0-0 ACC) vs. Towson (2-1, 0-0 CAA)
• When: 6:02 p.m.
• Where: Petersen Events Center
• TV: ACC Network
• Radio: 93.7 The Fan
• Satellite: Sirius 137 XM 193, Internet 9755
• Boxscore: Sidearm Sports
• Media notes: Pitt | Towson
THE SETUP
Pitt got its first win of the season Tuesday night against UNC Wilmington. Now it gets a chance to build on that against a 2-1 Towson team.
The Panthers have seen two double-doubles from sophomore forward John Hugley IV as the team's primary inside presence. But the return of Jamarius Burton has brought relief to Jeff Capel's roster in the form of a second guard on scholarship to pair with Femi Odukale. Although Burton didn't start the last game, Capel indicated he didn't want to put too much pressure on Burton in his return from injury by starting him right away.
Expect that to change and for Burton and Odukale to be the driving forces for Pitt's speed on offense while finding a way to feed Hugley's 6-foot-9, 280 lbs. frame down low for tough baskets. None of Towson's projected starters are taller than their sophomore forward Charles Thompson at 6-foot-7, but they will have two taller options in Juwan Gray at 6-foot-8 and Chase Paar at 6-foot-10 coming off the bench. It could be another night for Hugley to show his physical prowess and bully his way around the paint to open up opportunities for others around the court.
Gates open to the media at 4 p.m. Follow along with me here.