One of our regular readers, Jamie, and I have been getting into it a little in the comments for this post. All very friendly, just a slight disagreement on some things. Jamie — and I’m paraphrasing — suggests that this loss came because ‘Nova was just going off on their 3-point shots. That they just couldn’t miss, especially Ray. The same thing that happened with WVU and Georgetown — teams were hot from outside. No question that was a big factor.

My point is that ND was similarly hot, but Pitt pulled out the win. The difference between the losses and the win was that Pitt was forced to respect the inside game. Pittsnogle and Salley for WVU also took the ball inside and scored. That was what Sumpter, Foye and Lowry did. Sumpter, to me was far more impressive and a threat than Ray. He shot 3s well, and took the ball inside for jumpers and lay-ins. In the ND game, Pitt completely eliminated any inside presence by ND. ND lacked a consistent penetrater or anyone inside who could dominate. It allowed the guys inside –Troutman and Gray — to stay closer to the basket where they are comfortable. Most of ‘Nova’s guys were moving inside and out. Only Nardi — their point guard — tended to stay to the perimeter.

This Villanova team has had talent. It was horribly inconsistent last year. This year it is still inconsistent, but much improved. Next year is their chance.

I had to snicker, during the telecast yesterday. At some point, late in the game, Elmore made a comment that Villanova was one of those teams no one in the BE or in the NCAA Tournament wants to play late in the season. And I couldn’t help but think that applies to the entire top-7 of the BE. Any given night.

Well, for Pitt to finish the season on a strong note Pitt needs to win 3 of their next 4. WVU, UConn, @ BC and @ ND.