The game notes from Pitt are finally available (PDF). The game is on ESPN, the second of 3 straight on the WorldWide Leader’s mothership (and a 4th will be on ESPN2) for Pitt. Dan Shulman and Len Elmore are calling the game.
Storylines being pushed, so you can expect to hear in the game and read in print pixels.
With its No. 4 ranking, Syracuse enters the game as the highest ranked opponent to ever appear in the Petersen Events Center. The last time Syracuse visited the PEC, it Orange ended PittÂ’s 40-game home win streak and concluded PittÂ’s 34-0 undefeated record in the PEC as it handed Pitt a 49-46 overtime defeat.
Pittsburgh has won 10 of its last 12 home games and is a combined 60-4 at home over the last three seasons. Pitt is also 44-3 in the Petersen Events Center and 16-2 all-time against Big East opponents at the PEC.
Pittsburgh is coming off one of the greatest comeback victories in school history, a 10-point victory at ConnecticutÂ’s Gampel Pavilion.
Ending Pitt’s home unbeaten streak will be one of the big, most annoying stories they will likely harp on. It will be even worse if Pitt is losing. Other items you can expect them to mention or drop as factoids:
Pitt’s 3 losses came by a total of 9 points.
Pitt is 16-2 at home against Big East foes.
Pitt has taken 5 of the last 7 games from Syracuse.
Of course, Syracuse holds a stunning and tragic 2-1 edge in the series history, leading 60-30 all-time.
Final note, Carl Krauser is now tied for 10th at Pitt for assists in a career with Keith Starr (1972-75) with 329. By the end of the season, he should move up to 7th on the list.