Pitt basketball will host Minnesota in ACC/Big Ten Challenge
Pitt’s 2021-22 basketball schedule has not been finalized, but the Panthers do know they will serve as hosts for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
Minnesota, with first-year coach Ben Johnson, will be Pitt’s opponent Nov. 30 at Petersen Events Center. Game time and TV designation will be announced at a later date.
Pitt/Minnesota has been played only three times and not since Dec. 16, 1950, when the Panthers lost to the Gophers, 72-43. Pitt won two games in 1932 and 1933, 35-26 and 28-23.
The Panthers have won four of their seven games in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, but only one of three at home. Pitt rallied for a 71-70 road victory at Northwestern in last year’s game.
The ACC has a 12-7-3 edge in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, with advantages in each of the first 10 years.
“We are excited about the opportunity to compete against Minnesota in a home ACC/Big Ten Challenge game this season,” coach Jeff Capel said in a statement. “Coach Johnson has an outstanding reputation and will be looking to really establish his culture in his first year at the head coach at Minnesota. We look forward to the opportunity to host another Power 5 opponent in nonconference play.”
Pitt’s full schedule will be announced in the fall, but there are expected to be ACC home games against Duke, Virginia, Louisville, Syracuse, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, N.C. State, Miami and Boston College.
Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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