It’s become one of the better rivalries in Pittsburgh, but it may not be one that you think of right away. On Wednesday evening at the Consol Energy Center, the Pitt Panthers and Duquesne Dukes will square off for 81st time in their annual City Game. While Pitt currently leads the all-time series 49-31, the have dominated the matchup for the past 11 years without losing a contest. While the majority of them have been blowouts, the last contest was a little too close for comfort with the Panthers coming out on top 80-69.
For Pitt Coach Jamie Dixon, his preparation for the game started right after Pitt’s Saturday night contest with Detroit.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be watching film on my flight,” Dixon said on Saturday. “I haven’t seen them and I don’t know how they’re playing. I do know how Coach Ferry’s team has played in the past. I’ll be watching some film and I’ll have a better idea.”
With the debut of the Consol Energy Center, the two schools are able to meet at a neutral site and one that has a great environment.
“I looked at the box score from last year’s game and it said we had 16,000 at the game last year. I think that says enough right there,” Dixon said. “It’s a great atmosphere and I know Consol is doing a great job.”
While Point Park University and Robert Morris also represent Pittsburgh, it’s all about the tradition of Duquesne and Pitt playing each year.
“It’s a tradition playing against the other team in the city, for both of us who represent Pittsburgh along with Robert Morris,” senior point guard Tray Woodall said.
While it may not have the appeal that some of the bigger rivalries have, the City Game can be used as a recruiting tool. For players like Woodall who have participated in the game many times now, he said it’s an experience that the younger players can enjoy.
“It’s something guys get to experience. It’s my fifth time experiencing it,” Woodall said. “Last year wasn’t one I want to remember, but it’s just another game that we get to come together and become a better team.”
All eyes will be on the two teams on the floor, but in a humanitarian-like way, Dixon said the game has more of an impact than just playing basketball.
“Since there are no hockey games there, there’s more people looking forward to it to get more people to work selling some concessions,” Dixon said. “I think it’s great for the city, for us, for Duquesne and just the right thing to do.”
Unlike the Backyard Brawl, look for this tradition to continue despite Pitt’s move to the ACC next year.
Photo Credits: Matt Freed/Post-Gazette
