Both Pitt and WVU have their game notes (PDF) for the Saturday evening matchup, 6pm ESPN2. Dan Shulman and Len Elmore will be calling the game. This is either the 166th or 167th meeting of the teams depending on who you ask. According to Pitt, WVU has an 88-77 lead in the all-time series. WVU maintains it is 89-77. I’m not sure why there is some sort of conflict in the total games played. Pitt has a list of all the games and outcomes by opponent in their media guide (pg. 236 [57 of the PDF]). WVU, though, only provides season-by-season list of the wins and losses, and even I’m not that obsessive.

Pitt has won 5 straight against the Hoopies, including 3 straight at the WVU Coliseum. Before this run, Pitt had only won 3 games at the Big Concrete in 23 attempts all-time.

WVU has collapsed, going 2-6 in the Big East. They have lost 6 of their last 7. Looking at their game notes, it’s not hard to see why. In the conference, they are giving up almost 71 points and barely reaching 59 for themselves. They have only one player averaging double figures (Tyrone Sally, 11 pts/game). Opponents are shooting 50% against them, while they are at 36.4%.

They looked good in the non-con, notching what appeared to be quality wins. Then conference play began and they were exposed. They are still a decent team, and they are desperate. Morgantown has never been a good place for Pitt basketball. The place should be a sellout and quite loud.

An upset is possible and would be quite crushing. The best thing for Pitt, would be to get out in front early, like they did against Providence, and take the crowd out quickly. But, that’s pretty standard, isn’t it? Sorry. Long day, and I’m getting tired.