There are always the game notes for Pitt and Rutgers (PDF). Last year, Pitt had to go to OT to pull out a 3-point win. That game was noted for Ronald Ramon’s hot shooting. Pitt had been coming off two bad losses at home — Georgetown and Bucknell — and was part of a bad stretch for Pitt. After the Rutgers game, they gave away a big lead and had to rally to beat Seton Hall. That was followed by the loss to St. John’s. There was just some bad craziness at that point last year.

Looking at the game in capsule view, summarizes something of the theme.

Rutgers has a decent record, but really needs some big time wins to play their way into the bracket picture. Pitt is unbeaten on the year and continues to play well against tough teams. This is not going to be an easy game for the Panthers to win though. Rutgers is very tough at home and nearly upset Villanova in their last home game. They also managed a big road win against De Paul in their last game. Rutgers will be playing with a purpose because they are trying to pick up a high quality conference win, which is something they really need.

Rutgers will be tough out.

In one of the best match-up evaluations, albeit biased to the Scarlet Knights, this one really does a very good job. To get to the Rutgers win, he harps — incessantly — on Pitt’s lack of road play. That the Louisville game was the only road game was a real test. It’s worth reading the piece, though, to acquaint yourself better with the Rutgers team and expected match-ups.