Pitt Faces Must-Win Game in ACC Quarterfinals

The Pitt Panthers can't afford a loss in the first game of their NCAA Tournament run.

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Pitt Panthers are teetering on the edge of the NCAA Tournament bubble as they open the ACC Tournament in Washington, D.C. this week and, according to one prominent bracketologist, they desperately need a win to stay alive. 

ESPN's Joe Lunardi wrote that the Panthers are one of many teams still in the running for the NCAA Tournament who cannot afford a loss in their next game. Pitt is idle until the third day of the ACC Tournament, where they'll face one of Wake Forest, Georgia Tech or Notre Dame (although, according to his write up, Lunardi doesn't seem to believe the Irish have a chance of moving on).

Other ACC teams in need of a win include Virginia, who can "Win And In" the NCAA Tournament, per Lunardi, if they knock off either Clemson, Boston College or Miami. Wake Forest is in the same category as Pitt - "Out Without This Win" as they await the winner of Georgoa Tech and Notre Dame. Virginia Tech and Syracuse will both have to win their first games and do a little more work to get back onto the bubble. 

Pitt entered the week as one of Lunardi's Next Four Out. The rallied from a 1-5 start to ACC play, winning 11 of 14 games down the stretch to climb to the fourth seed in the ACC Tournament, their best finish in conference play since joining the league in 2013. 

The Panthers finished the year strong but still have work to do if they are to achieve their ultimate goal of a second-straight trip to the Big Dance. 

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

Blake Hinson Snubbed in Player of Year Voting

Pitt Given Fifth-Best Odds to Win ACC Tournament

Major Georgia Tech Injury News Could Affect Pitt

Pitt HC Named Runner-Up for Coach of Year

Bub Carrington Makes ACC All-Rookie Team

Ishmael Leggett Named ACC Sixth Man of the Year

• Follow Inside the Panthers on Twitter: @InsidePitt