Introduction
The NC State Wolfpack and the Pitt Panthers are two storied programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The two schools have met 104 times on the hardwood, with NC State holding a slim 53-51 advantage. The rivalry was particularly intense in the 1970s and 1980s when both schools were national title contenders. In recent years, the rivalry has cooled somewhat, but it remains one of the most heated in the ACC.
The Early Years
The first meeting between NC State and Pitt took place in 1925. Pitt won that game, 28-21. The two schools would meet again four years later, with NC State winning, 24-14. The rivalry would continue to be sporadic in the early years, with neither school able to gain a significant advantage.
The Golden Age
The rivalry between NC State and Pitt reached its peak in the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, both schools were national title contenders. NC State won the national championship in 1974, while Pitt won the title in 1980. The two schools also met in the NCAA Tournament on several occasions, with NC State winning in 1974, 1983, and 1985.
The Modern Era
The rivalry between NC State and Pitt has cooled somewhat in recent years. Neither school has been able to sustain the success it enjoyed in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the two schools still meet annually in the ACC, and the games are always competitive.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the NC State-Pitt rivalry over the years include:
- NC State: David Thompson, Lorenzo Charles, Sidney Lowe, Chris Corchiani, Dennis Smith
- Pitt: Charles Smith, Jerome Lane, Sean Miller, DeJuan Blair, Sam Young
Memorable Moments
There have been many memorable moments in the NC State-Pitt rivalry over the years. Some of the most memorable moments include:
- NC State’s victory over Pitt in the 1974 NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack won the game, 103-100, in double overtime.
- Pitt’s victory over NC State in the 1980 NCAA Tournament. The Panthers won the game, 76-74, on a last-second shot by Kelvin Edwards.
- NC State’s victory over Pitt in the 1983 NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack won the game, 67-66, on a last-second shot by Sidney Lowe.
- Pitt’s victory over NC State in the 2009 ACC Tournament. The Panthers won the game, 73-69, to advance to the championship game.
The Future of the Rivalry
The NC State-Pitt rivalry is one of the most storied in the ACC. The two schools have met 104 times on the hardwood, with NC State holding a slim 53-51 advantage. The rivalry was particularly intense in the 1970s and 1980s when both schools were national title contenders. In recent years, the rivalry has cooled somewhat, but it remains one of the most heated in the ACC.
It is difficult to say what the future holds for the NC State-Pitt rivalry. Both schools are currently in a rebuilding mode, and it may be several years before they are able to compete for ACC titles. However, the rivalry is still one of the most passionate in the conference, and it is sure to continue to be a source of excitement for fans of both schools.
NC State vs. Pitt Basketball: A Statistical Breakdown
The following table provides a statistical breakdown of the NC State-Pitt rivalry:
| Statistic | NC State | Pitt |
|---|---|---|
| Overall record | 53-51 | 51-53 |
| Home record | 29-13 | 29-12 |
| Away record | 23-35 | 22-39 |
| Neutral record | 1-3 | 0-2 |
| NCAA Tournament record | 3-2 | 2-3 |
| ACC Tournament record | 4-3 | 3-4 |
| Longest winning streak | 6 (1973-1978) | 5 (1941-1945) |
| Longest losing streak | 4 (1989-1992) | 3 (1953-1955, 1996-1998) |
NC State vs. Pitt Basketball: Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks for watching NC State vs. Pitt basketball games:
- Get to the game early. The atmosphere at NC State and Pitt games is electric, so make sure you get to the game early to soak it all in.
- Wear your school colors. Show your support for your team by wearing your school colors to the game.
- Be loud and proud. The fans at NC State and Pitt games are passionate, so be sure to be loud and proud in your support of your team.
- Don’t be afraid to get into it with the other fans. The rivalry between NC State and Pitt is one of the most heated in the ACC, so don’t be afraid to get into it with the other fans. Just be respectful and don’t cross the line.
NC State vs. Pitt Basketball: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when watching NC State vs. Pitt basketball games:
- Don’t get too caught up in the rivalry. The rivalry between NC State and Pitt is intense, but don’t let it get in the way of enjoying the game.
- Don’t be a sore loser. If your team loses, don’t be a sore loser. Be respectful of the other team and their fans.
- Don’t drink and drive. Drinking and driving is never a good idea, especially after a game. Make sure you have a designated driver or take a cab home.
NC State vs. Pitt Basketball: Conclusion
The NC State-Pitt rivalry is one of the most storied in the ACC. The two schools have met 104 times on the hardwood, with NC State holding a slim 53-51 advantage. The rivalry was particularly intense in the 1970s and 1980s when both schools were national title contenders. In recent years, the rivalry has cooled somewhat, but it remains one of the most heated in the ACC.