Pitt-West Virginia: First five possessions

In my tempo-free studies and writing for sites as College Chalktalk and Hoopville, charting the first few minutes of each half is a favorite practice to gain insight. The first few minutes of each half set the tone. Teams aim to come out strong and establish their game plan. Here is a first five possession look of the Pitt-West Virginia contest.

Score: 10-5 West Virginia. The time remaining was 16:30. Five possessions during the first three and a half minutes hints at a moderate, at best, tempo. The early efficiency through the first five possessions:

West Virginia 200 (2.00 points per possession * 100)

Pitt 100

Pitt started on the right foot extending the first possession with an offensive rebound. West Virginia was the aggressor however, cashing in on their first three possessions. Early on, seeing how the Mountaineers are establishing themselves inside and Pitt’s defense, will tell you without knowing the won-lost ledger, this is not a vintage Jamie Dixon club. Even Truck Bryant’s three on the fifth possession was well pointed out and illustrated by ESPN’s Jay Bilas as a simple rub off a center screen on an inbounds play. The Panthers were just a step slow to respond. A microcosm of their season to date. Or at least until Saturday’s win over Georgetown.