City of Champions
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Pitt basketball’s top 5 ACC games to mark on your calendar

By Brett Tunno

Dec 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers forward Jamel Artis (1) heads up court on a fast break against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. PITT won 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers forward Jamel Artis (1) heads up court on a fast break against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. PITT won 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) dribbles the ball as Oakland Golden Grizzlies guard Sherron Dorsey-Walker (30) defends during the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 71-58. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) dribbles the ball as Oakland Golden Grizzlies guard Sherron Dorsey-Walker (30) defends during the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 71-58. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

Since Pitt has joined the ACC, Virginia has reminded me of the Panthers playing the old Pitt teams lead by Ben Howland.  The Cavaliers are physical, play tough defense, control the tempo, and are very efficient.

Pitt has not been able to beat them, and two years ago Malcolm Brogdon hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer to knock off the Panthers.

Virginia currently is ranked No. 5 (11-1), having beaten Ohio State 64-58, No. 14 WVU 70-54, No. 12 Villanova 86-75, and California 63-62.  Their lone loss was at George Washington 73-68, the squad who knocked Pitt out of the NIT Tournament last season.

Virginia lost their best offensive player last season (Justin Anderson) and their best defensive player (Darion Atkins), but the rest of the core is intact.

6-foot-5 senior guard Brogdon leads the Cavaliers with 16.2 ppg, 6-foot-8 senior forward Anthony Gill averages 14.8 ppg and 6.3 rpg, and 6-foot-2 junior point guard London Perrantes chips in 11.1 ppg and is shooting 57% from the three-point line.

I plan on buying a ticket for this big game.

Next: 2. vs Duke Sunday, February 28th 2PM

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