GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Panthers are again in Greensboro. Pitt returns to North Carolina one week after the ACC Event contained in the Greensboro Coliseum and superior to the Quarterfinals earlier than dropping to Duke. This time Iowa State and the NCAA Event await, recent off of a one-point, First 4 victory towards Mississippi State (60-59) to clinch a spot within the Spherical of 64.

“Excited to be again in Greensboro,” head coach Jeff Capel stated. “Excited to be a part of the Massive Dance. It’s been a heck of per week for us already after a extremely emotional and hard-fought sport in Dayton towards a very good Mississippi State crew, and we’re excited to play towards an excellent Iowa State crew.”

Capel addressed Federiko Federiko’s standing as day-to-day with a knee harm after lacking the Mississippi State win. Federiko didn’t gown for apply Thursday however took gentle pictures.

Jeff Capel described Federiko as day-to-day. He’s in sweats at apply immediately however taking some gentle pictures. pic.twitter.com/K5WsndsBJO

— Austin Bechtold (@AustinRBechtold) March 16, 2023

The Cyclones haven’t performed since March 10, falling to Kansas by 13 factors within the Massive 12 Event. Pitt, alternatively, seems to construct momentum after securing one of many program’s largest wins in latest historical past. The expertise might additionally create a way of calmness for the Panthers in comparison with different groups not experiencing the setting and ambiance of March Insanity. 

Hopefully it would,” Capel stated. “We have now a sport below our belt already, so hopefully the nerves might be out. Clearly, for a few of our guys, it was their first time. Even for the fellows which have been right here, except for Nelly, this was their first-time form of perhaps in a lead function within the NCAA event. Even when you’ve got been right here, even when you’ve got performed in it, whenever you get on the market for the primary time in one other season, it’s anxious. You’re anxious.

Courtesy Pitt Basketball

“We have now that below our belt. Hopefully, we will nonetheless have the identical pleasure. I do know we’ll have that, however we will settle in a bit of bit faster.”

In preparation for Iowa State, Capel pointed to their efforts on the defensive finish. The Cyclones enable solely 62.8 factors per sport whereas the Panthers common over 75 factors every time on the ground. 

“They’re excellent defensively,” Capel stated. “They’re very bodily. They’re very disciplined. They play with nice vitality. They’re unbelievably linked on that aspect of the basketball. You possibly can inform that’s their identification and that’s what they dangle their hat on.”

The assembly marks the second time Pitt and Iowa State face off – Pitt gained 81-65 in 1981 – whereas Capel is 6-1 all-time in his teaching profession towards the Cyclones. 

“They rotate effectively. They defend the basketball effectively,” Capel stated. “Their ball display protection, their bigs are athletic. They’re energetic, simply the physicality during which they play with. That’s what makes them one of many higher defensive groups within the nation.”

Capel stated the Panthers are lucky to have an additional day of relaxation and never be enjoying on Thursday, the other of Texas A&M Corpus Christi who performed earlier than Pitt on Tuesday.

Courtesy Pitt Basketball

Blake Hinson will take the ground for the primary time towards Iowa State since leaving this system previous to the 2021-22 season and never enjoying the 12 months earlier than because of a medical subject. Capel has not addressed any specifics with Hinson concerning his former program.

“I actually haven’t. , it’s fascinating. I don’t suppose younger individuals are as emotional about these things as we perhaps adults are. They’re capable of transfer on very, in a short time and switch the web page,” Capel stated. “So for us it’s Pitt towards Iowa State. It’s not Blake towards Iowa State or Iowa State towards Blake.”

Courtesy Pitt Basketball

Enjoying within the Spherical of 64 for the primary time in seven years, the Panthers stay centered on the duty at hand fairly than reflecting on what they achieved. Capel is aware of the time will come when the truth of Pitt’s achievements will stay in focus, sitting again to understand the expansion and improvement to place the Panthers again on the map of the nationwide event stage. 

“If you end up within the midst of it and you’re nonetheless going, you concentrate on the following factor that’s in entrance of you,” Capel stated. “One of many issues I’ve talked about is correct now we’ve to take away all of the rearview mirrors. We’re simply trying straight out the entrance and what’s forward of us. After we’re completed, and hopefully it’s some time earlier than we’re completed, then we’ll have time to look behind us and discuss what we’ve achieved.”