Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Pitt's 3-point struggles
By Joe Kaiser
The inability to connect from long range was one of the big reasons for Pitt's 51-42 loss at home to Notre Dame on Monday, and a closer look reveals that this isn't the first time the 3-point shot has let the Panthers down.
Jeremy Lundblad of ESPN Stats & Info writes: "The Panthers went 0-for-8 from 3-point range and had a season-low scoring output in a 51-42 loss to Notre Dame. It was Pittsburgh's fewest points as a ranked team since 2007. Pitt is the only ranked team with a scoreless night beyond the arc this season, and it's happened to them twice, both at home. The Panthers hadn't previously failed to hit a 3 at home since 1998."
One of the reasons for this could be the lack of 3s Pitt is attempting this season. According to KenPom.com, only 25.4 percent of the Panthers' field goal attempts come from beyond the arc. That ranks No. 319 out of the 347 Division-I teams in the country.
What Notre Dame managed to do was not only hold Tray Woodall 0-4 from distance, but also prevent the team's highest percentage 3-point shooter, Lamar Patterson, from attempting a single three in 26 minutes.
