Inside The Panthers

Lunardi: Loss Would Kill Pitt's NCAA Tournament Chances

The Pitt Panthers cannot afford a loss to Wake Forest in the ACC quarterfinals.
Stephen Thompson|
Lunardi: Loss Would Kill Pitt's NCAA Tournament Chances
Lunardi: Loss Would Kill Pitt's NCAA Tournament Chances

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Pittsburgh Panthers

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Pitt Panthers are battling for their postseason lives this week at the NCAA Tournament and it is, quite literally, do or die for them in the quarterfinal round. 

While some might see their contest against Wake Forest, another team on the edge of the bubble, as a play-in game, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi sees it as a play-out game. The winner won't vault themselves into the NCAA Tournament with a victory, but the loser will have played their way out in his mind. 

The Panthers currently sit as one of Lunardi's Next Four Out teams, while Wake Forest is among the First Four Out. Both still have some work to do if they want to crack the field. The winner of Florida State-North Carolina in the first quarterfinal game of the day awaits the winner and, depending on who emerges from that game, could represent a chance to shore up an at-large bid. 

Pitt will tip off their quarterfinal matchup from Capital One Arena against Wake Forest at 2:30 p.m. ESPN2 will carry the broadcast. 

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

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