Just this past weekend, the Pitt Panthers felt pretty good about themselves, after their fifth straight win. Then coach Jeff Capel tested positive for coronavirus, and two top players went down with injuries at practice on Sunday.
Last night the shorthanded Panthers lost to Louisville, 64-54.
The losses of forward Justin Champagnie and guard Au’Diese Toney will be difficult to overcome. Champagnie (17.8 ppg, 12.3 rpg) will miss six to eight weeks with a knee injury and Toney (16.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg) is day-to-day with an ankle injury. With them out of the lineup, Louisville dominated the boards, with a 45-26 rebounding edge.
Acting coach Tim O’Toole said the absences were noticeable on the glass.
Freshman Femi Odukale came off the bench to lead Pitt with 16 points. O’Toole says the young Panthers are going to have to grow up fast in the tough ACC.
Pitt returns to action Tuesday at Duke.
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