Pitt Panthers Vs Virginia Tech Hokies Basketball Rivalry

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The Pitt Panthers and Virginia Tech Hokies have a long-standing rivalry in basketball that spans over four decades. As members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), these two teams have consistently battled for supremacy on the hardwood. In this article, we'll delve into the history of this rivalry, highlighting key moments, notable players, and what makes this matchup so special.

History of the Rivalry

The Pitt Panthers and Virginia Tech Hokies first met on the basketball court in 1978, with the Panthers emerging victorious 73-65. Since then, the two teams have played each other 34 times, with Pitt holding a slight edge in the series 18-16. The rivalry gained momentum in the 1990s, with both teams experiencing periods of success and competing for conference championships.

Notable Games and Moments

1. 1985: Pitt's Upset Win: In a game that would go down in history, the Panthers upset the 14th-ranked Hokies 64-62, thanks to a last-second shot by Pitt's Matt Kinzler.
2. 2004: Virginia Tech's Comeback: Trailing by 14 points with just over 4 minutes remaining, the Hokies mounted an incredible comeback, outscoring Pitt 22-5 to win 75-72.
3. 2014: Pitt's Dominant Performance: The Panthers annihilated the Hokies 76-45, with Lamar Patterson scoring a game-high 22 points.

Notable Players

Both teams have produced talented players who have contributed significantly to the rivalry. Some notable players include:

1. Lamar Patterson (Pitt): A versatile forward who averaged 17.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in the 2013-2014 season.
2. Malcolm Delaney (Virginia Tech): A prolific scorer who averaged 20.2 points per game in the 2009-2010 season.
3. Aaron Gray (Pitt): A dominant center who averaged 13.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in the 2006-2007 season.

What Makes This Rivalry Special

The Pitt-Virginia Tech basketball rivalry is special for several reasons:

1. Geographic Proximity: The two teams are located relatively close to each other, with Pittsburgh, PA, and Blacksburg, VA, separated by just over 200 miles. This proximity creates a natural rivalry and adds to the excitement of the games.
2. Competitive Balance: Both teams have experienced periods of success, making their matchups highly competitive and unpredictable.
3. ACC Rivalry: As members of the ACC, the Pitt-Virginia Tech rivalry is part of a larger conference rivalry that includes powerhouses like Duke, North Carolina, and Louisville.

Future of the Rivalry

As the ACC continues to evolve, the Pitt-Virginia Tech rivalry is likely to remain a key matchup in the conference. With both teams consistently competing for championships, their games will continue to be highly anticipated and closely watched.

In conclusion, the Pitt Panthers and Virginia Tech Hokies have a rich and storied basketball rivalry that spans over four decades. With a history of competitive games, notable players, and a strong geographic and conference rivalry, this matchup is one to watch in the world of college basketball.

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