The Pitt Panthers have always been a team known for playing defense and this 2012-13 version of the Panthers is no exception to that rule. After holding the Providence Friars to 64 points in Pitt's 68-64 victory on Tuesday, the Panthers have held 19 of their 20 opponents on the season under 70 points. But while defense is still the backbone of Jamie Dixon's program, they still need a potent enough offense to win games. When it comes to scoring the basketball, Pitt's biggest strength is ... Read More
Pitt’s road back to NCAA Tournament a matter of opinion
Jamie Dixon's Pitt Panthers have become accustomed to playing in March and other than last season's disappointing season which saw Pitt miss the NCAA Tournament for the first time in Dixon's tenure; they usually are assured a spot in the "Big Dance." That should hold true this season as well as baring a major collapse down the stretch, Pitt should be one of the 68 teams selected to compete for the National Championship. Sitting at 3-3 in the Big East, they will likely have to win seven more ... Read More
Sport Isn’t Always About the “Better Team”
Each sport has its defining characteristics that set it apart from other sports. But one of the things that all sports have in common is the fact that they can’t be predicted. That’s why they play the game, because anything can happen. There may be a favorite and an underdog, but any team has a chance to win on any given night. Did the LA Kings win the Stanley Cup last year by being the best team in the NHL? I don’t believe so. But they sure were able to put things together once the playoffs ... Read More
Pitt’s Trey Zeigler starting to earn Jamie Dixon’s trust
Trey Zeigler's first season as a member of the Pitt basketball program has been a roller coaster ride to say the least. The Central Michigan transfer, who averaged 15.8 points per game a season ago, was thought to provide an immediate scoring option off the bench for the Panthers this season. But things haven't exactly gone the way Zeigler probably thought they would as the junior is only averaging 5.1 points per game in barely over 15 minutes per game. He came out of the gates slow; ... Read More
Graham, VCU Bury Dukes 90-63
Pittsburgh—Forget the VCU Rams, Duquesne barely outplayed Treveon Graham in the 1st half Saturday night. Graham had 17 points in the first half, almost surpassing Duquesne’s 18. The game was as good as over by the time the teams headed into the locker room. It was a night of milestones for #22 (AP) VCU. Not only did the Rams pick up their 13th straight win, but they also broke the record for most points scored by a college basketball team at Consol Energy Center. In addition, Coach Shaka ... Read More
Pitt holds off U Conn rally to escape with 69-61 win
Jamie Dixon’s Pitt Panthers have made it a trend the first couple weeks of the Big East Conference season of playing their best basketball away from the Petersen Events Center. That trend ended Saturday afternoon as the Panthers finally won a conference game at home, defeating a gutsy Connecticut team 69-61. In typical Pitt (15-4, 3-3) fashion, it was a nail biter as the Panthers blew a 14point lead, only to see the Huskies tie the game at 55 with 4:38 remaining. But unlike the previous ... Read More
Dukes to Face Off Against Most Formidable Opponent Yet
Duquesne is facing off against its first ranked opponent of the season Saturday night at the Consol Energy Center. #22 Virginia Commonwealth (15-3, 3-0), who topped Saint Joseph’s 92-86 in overtime Thursday night, will come to Pittsburgh seeking a 13th straight win. Their current win streak is 2nd longest in the nation. The Rams have faced a respectable cadre of opponents this season. They are 1-2 against teams currently in the Top 25. Their quality wins have come against #19 Memphis, Dayton ... Read More
Pitt must address rebounding issues Saturday vs. U Conn
There has been one common theme surrounding the four losses the Pitt Panthers basketball team has suffered so far during the 2012-13 campaign- the lack of rebounding. Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon has stressed the importance of rebounding over and over again, but the message hasn’t exactly gotten through yet. Currently Pitt ranks only 190th in the nation, pulling down only 34.7 boards per contest, which is not like a Pitt team. It has hurt them at stretches throughout the season, ... Read More
Duquesne Falls 79-66 to UMASS, Despite Career-High From Johnson
It was truly a tale of two halves. UMASS led by as many as 17 late in the first half, but saw their lead cut to three on three separate occasions in the 2nd. Against a strong UMASS team, it wasn’t enough to pull out a victory. The Dukes just dug themselves into a hole too early. Just like in the Saint Joseph’s game, Duquesne came out with a head of steam in the 2nd half. Sean Johnson led this charge, scoring 14 points in the first 4:10 of the 2nd half. 4 of these points came off of a 4-point ... Read More
NCAA Conference Outlook Part 2
Big Ten Conference Play Preview Favorite: Indiana The Hoosiers came into the year No. 1 and will look to redeem themselves in conference after losing to Butler earlier. They have tremendous talent throughout the roster and it starts with Cody Zeller. He is touted as the potential No. 1 draft pick this year and if he can play up to his billing, Indiana will be able to fend off Michigan for the league title. Sleeper: Minnesota Even as the No. 8 ranked team in the country, Minnesota has ... Read More