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December 5, 2007

The City Game this year actually is something to anticipate and has some upset potential. At the very least, some real competition. The guards on both teams have history.

Levance Fields and Kojo Mensah, a pair of Brooklyn native point guards, will be reunited when No. 11 Pitt (7-0) travels to Duquesne (6-1) at 7 p.m. Wednesday at A.J. Palumbo Center in one of the most anticipated City Games in recent memory.

“We know each other from back home,” Pitt’s Fields said. “Now we get a chance to play against each other again in college, so it’s going to be good. We’re friends. We knew each other well.”

Pitt finally faces a team with a player taller than their starters and main bench players in Shawn James. Pitt of course has no intent of changing its approach.

Am I worried about this game. I worry about every game. It’s going to be a long time before I truly get arrogant and cocky about most games.

For a counter-view, there is the Duquesne Blog — Dukes Court.

7:04: Sam Young hits a wide open 3 in the corner. 3-0 Pitt after Duke missed its first shot.

7:06: Pitt now up 7-0 (18:00 in the half). Duquesne nervous and a bit over eager on their shots.

7:09: 14-0 Pitt. Duquesne forced to use a timeout — the playcalling crew noted that Everhart hates to use early TOs, but had no choice. Pitt is getting steals, getting to the basket, taking open 3s. Basically doing what they want. Duquesne is just looking bad and waaayyy too tight. Shooting way too soon and not getting rebounds.

7:15: Nightmare for Duquesne so far. They got a couple quick baskets and briefly generated some defensive pressure, but Pitt just regrouped on the fly and now up 21-4 with 13:30 in the half.

7:25: With 9:55 left in the half, Duquesne finally reaches double digits. 25-11.

7:29: Free throws are keeping Duquesne alive. They are 9-9 at the line. 3-17 from the field.

7:30: Pitt has lost some intensity. Duquesne is making it interesting. 27-17 with 7:37 in the half. Blair is on the bench with two fouls.

7:42: Biggs is helpless against bigger players posting up against him inside.

7:47: Dixon just got hit with a technical while the play was happening.

7:56: Pitt leads 36-31. The good is that Pitt is winning despite an absolutely lousy game so far from Levance Fields (4 points — 2-7, 0-4 3s, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 turnovers). Mike Cook came out hot with 10 points and Blair before the foul trouble was cleaning up inside despite the height disadvantage.

Pitt has also held Duquesne to its lowest scoring in a half this year. It helps that Duquesne has shot 9-32, 1-15 on 3s. The free throw line has bailed them out with 12-13. They have regrouped later in the half. Aaron Jackson came off the bench to spark the Dukes.

Blair going out really helped Duquesne. Suddenly they could execute inside, and overpower Biggs.

8:46: Wife dumped the 7-month on me for a while, so typing was not an option.

Levance Fields is having a disaster of a game tonight. DeJuan Blair has been fantastic for Pitt, and doing everything on both ends. Young and Cook have been solid.

Duquesne is hanging around. Shawn James doing great against Pitt.

Neither team can hit 3s 5-33 combined. Pitt is getting to the line a lot more in the second half.

Pitt leads with 6:55 left in the game, 60-54.

8:55: I believe the term is chippy, to describe how the final minutes seem to be going. That or the refs are just getting really ticky-tacky again.

9:02: Big foul by Aaron Jackson. His fifth. He’s been a sparkplug for Duquesne. Ramon horrible at the line 4-7 tonight

63-60 Pitt with 2:21 left.

9:09: It’s worth noting that Fields — despite a very lousy game — has 4 points in the final couple minutes for Pitt just when needed.

9:10: Biggs missed both free throws, but Sam Young somehow ripped the rebound and got James to foul out with under 24 seconds left.

Of course Young after a 5-5 FT night goes 1-2.

71-66.

9:12: Phew. Good win for Pitt and good loss for Duquesne. They are a definitely improved team that gave Pitt a tough game.

73-68 Pitt now 26 of the past 29 City Game.





We’re up 14-0. Very nice.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 7:10 pm

Saddler just gave PITT a verbal:

link to post-gazette.com

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEET

Comment by Dan35 12.05.07 @ 7:23 pm

Nice! Awesome to hear that we landed Saddler!

… Why is the pitt v duq game on espn U and not local tv?!?

Comment by Matt D 12.05.07 @ 7:27 pm

Who gets this goddamn channel? I’ve even called some bars to go watch the game, but no one has it. What a disgrace. I even get the pig eleven channel….

McCoy was named big east rookie of the year…Saddler coming to pitt…been a good day…

How is it that Pitt is only favored by 5.5? WTF?

Comment by Stuart 12.05.07 @ 7:31 pm

Damn, the Dukes are making their free throws hehe. We definitely have to be more aggressive when we drive, Shawn James is too good not to.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 7:31 pm

I see they’re killin us on the foul calls…this could turn into trouble later…blair and ramon both have to be sitting the rest of the half i imagine…

Comment by Stuart 12.05.07 @ 7:33 pm

Well our 14-0 run to begin the game is basically gone. Good thing the Dukes started cold.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 7:33 pm

since 14-0 its been 13-19….need to pick the pace back up here…

Are burr or higgins officiating this game?

Comment by Stuart 12.05.07 @ 7:36 pm

We’ll be better in the second half when we get Blair back. That technical hurts.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 7:48 pm

Fields is having a nightmarish first half.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 7:52 pm

For those of us without a TV or radio in front of us….please explain the technical.

Comment by Stuart 12.05.07 @ 7:55 pm

Dixon came out of the box.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 7:56 pm

Fields weight loss has only allowed him to get out of control quicker. He is still helpless against quicker smaller point guards.

Pitt still shaky against the press. Still throws in to the double team in the corner (4x)

Agreed, Pitt a completely different team with Blair in the game.

Still I like this Pitt open running style.

They should be Ok. Give the Dukes credit for the comeback. Their center is a legitamate D-1 star.

Comment by Dan 72 12.05.07 @ 8:01 pm

We sound like we’re really sucking a fatty on offense tonight.

Comment by Jeff 12.05.07 @ 8:18 pm

If it wasn’t for Blair we would be losing for sure. The play where he threw himself to get the ball was awesome. Duquesne has also made 16 out of 17 free throws.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 8:25 pm

Still unsure of how the “City Game” isn’t even televised locally in our city.

Why is this not on FSN?!?

Comment by Dennis 12.05.07 @ 8:32 pm

Dennis, I had to purchase a separate package to get ESPNU. It comes with Versus for hockey and FSW so I can see the soccer games. You guys are right that this game should be shown on a local channel or something, it’s The City game.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 8:44 pm

This is not pleasant to watch.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 9:01 pm

Go to channelsurfing.net and you can pick up a stream there, although it isn’t the best.

Comment by Mac 12.05.07 @ 9:01 pm

Listening to Hilgrove and Groat on the radio is refreshing…

Comment by Dennis 12.05.07 @ 9:11 pm

score?

Comment by MelbaPlace 12.05.07 @ 9:12 pm

Pitt wins 73-68

Comment by Dennis 12.05.07 @ 9:13 pm

thanks

Comment by MelbaPlace 12.05.07 @ 9:14 pm

I am sold on Duquesne being a legit threat to win the A-10. Shawn James is going to be a nightmare. BTW 73-68 final score. Young finished with 23 points…Blair was nasty. Scary win against a good team.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 9:15 pm

Truth be told, I’m hoping to see Duqesne make it to the Big Dance. It’s be great to have another local team in.

Comment by Shawn 12.05.07 @ 9:26 pm

PHEW – Pitt with a sloppy but gutty win.
Fields back under control in 2nd half. Announcer on ESPN U made an interesting comment about NY players feeling like it is a one on one battle and forgetting about the team and the game.

As a Pitt fan, a great deal of things to worry about. Playing against Big East quick and savy guards…free throw shooting (again)…the press at times…facing a legit big center.

Things not to worry about…guts..heart…experience….and last but far from least…coaching..Jammie Dixon with a masterful job keeping this game under contro.

Hail to Pitt!

Comment by Dan 72 12.05.07 @ 9:29 pm

How can Sadler help Pitt Football when he is 5-7 and 165lbs?

Comment by Palm Beach Panther 12.05.07 @ 9:41 pm

I think that’s the same size as Noel Devine……

Nice negative take though.

Comment by Dan35 12.05.07 @ 9:46 pm

Seriously, the kid is a fast, shifty slot receiver/ return man- here’s the scout.com evaluation- good enough for me!

“Saddler plays bigger than his size. He can match-up against wide receivers several inches taller than he is and his physical ability and competitiveness will make-up for his lack of ideal size. Saddler has very fluid hips, he has outstanding closing speed. Despite, his size he is a very solid open field tackler. Where Saddler shows his value is in the return game. He is a game breaker as a return man”

Comment by Dan35 12.05.07 @ 9:49 pm

As someone said in the other thread maybe use him on kick returns, like WVU uses Devine, or have him become the next LSH. I hope this kid doesn’t get lost in the shuffle if he does play RB. I think Shariff Harris might be a guy that keeps him off the field, and Collier will be back and healthy. I am sure they will find a place for him somewhere since he is a good athlete. Good get for PITT.

Comment by Panthoor 12.05.07 @ 9:50 pm

Wanny is getting only around 700k from Pitt.

link to usatoday.com

check out the top link to see everyones salary

Comment by mp 12.05.07 @ 10:23 pm

Good win for Pitt tonight. Duquesne is legit and while we let them get back into the contest, we never relinquished the lead. I think we did an okay job beating the press but didn’t really attack it and try to score. Expected to see a little more of Wannamaker and Brown but I’ll take the win. UW will not be an easy one on the left coast Saturday. Brockman vs. Blair could be an epic battle.
As for the Saddler signing. I think it’s great. First indication that the WVU win will help us in local recruiting (I know he was headed to Virginia, but he was at the game with WVU). Doesn’t hurt that Wanny paid him a house call last night. Take that Groh 😉
He’s a four-star recruit according to Scout (read into that what you will). Perhaps more importantly, the Trib is reporting that he’s a charismatic young man who has quite a bit of pull with other area standouts. His prodding could help keep the local talent where it belongs – at Heinz Field wearing the Dino-Cat.

Comment by Dave in Orlando 12.05.07 @ 10:54 pm

Saddler will be a great addition to the squad. The WVU game was the turning point of PITT football. Big Win on the field and BIG WIN in the recruiting cirle. This guy wants to be a panther and not only has the talent but heart and desire to be great. Also, he has that energetic personality that we attract the other top local talent to join PITT.

Mr Cameron Saddler, welcome to PITT. Great choice and we do have a great business program at the Katz School.

Peep this article

link to pittsburghlive.com

HAIL TO PITT.

Comment by cdmoore25 12.05.07 @ 11:13 pm

I listened to the second half of the game, three things:

First, why the hell did Jamie sub Biggs
(62% FT) for Blair (82% FT) at the end there?!?! They IMMEDIATELY foul him, and he goes 0-2. When they subbed him, i was like WTF? And then my worst nightmare came true…its wasn’t like they were going to give anyone a chance to dribble up court anyways…it was immediate foul time…

Second, WTF is with their fans? “Overrated” chants when you’re losing? Are you serious? “Scoreboard” bitches. We don’t play our best game, but it was better than anything you’ll bring.

Third, we have no backup to Blair. That is our biggest weakness. That will definitely be trouble later this year. That kid is needed 100% all the time.

On Saddler: He was 1 kickoff return away from setting the national record with 8 for TDs….plus he had several punt returns for TDs…i’ll take a couple easy scores, and get him involved some other ways (with Robinson gone and Berry showing nothing). Plus, him convincing others around here to go to Pitt…great pickup.

Comment by Stuart 12.05.07 @ 11:37 pm

Pitt is really good this year. Yes we need Blair. He is awesome. Of course we do.

Comment by Omar 12.05.07 @ 11:41 pm

Time to take a look at the State Penn again:

“Penn State grad throws out charges against two PSU football players”:

link to altoonamirror.com

This is not a case of the DA and the kids coming to a plea agreement (like the Fields case) – the DA says ‘‘We don’t think that what happened today was fair,’’ Centre County Assistant District Attorney Steve Sloane said. ‘‘I have to respect the judge; he’s the judge of this court. But I don’t have to agree.’’

Hmm….DA thinks this warrants trial, but Judge Carmine Prestia (B.S. State Penn ’71, also 15 years teaching at State Penn) decides to let a few fellow State Penners off easy…

Anywhere else, the real charges go to trial…this way, the judge saves both their asses without looking *too* impartial…even the defense is suprised at the comments by the judge…and the logic of the decision makes no sense…what a joke.

Comment by Stuart 12.06.07 @ 2:08 am

BTW – this is the same judge that tossed all the earlier charges – it is truly a kangaroo court out there…unbelievable…

Comment by Stuart 12.06.07 @ 2:09 am

And anyone remember when Paterno said the other day that the police used to just bring the criminals to his house instead of taking them to jail/court? This judge used to be a cop for State College for 25 years…

Comment by Stuart 12.06.07 @ 2:18 am

cdmoore,
I read that article yesterday and just started to shake with excitement. Saddler could create a snowball affect… he was talking about Hale, Pryor, Baldwin, and the Central crew… Could you imagine if WPIAL all chose Pitt.
Good Luck Saddler

Comment by Adam 12.06.07 @ 7:55 am

No playing time for Diggs last night. Whats up with that?

Comment by alcofan 12.06.07 @ 8:31 am

Good win, but definitely exposed our limitations inside, particularly if the refs are calling baby fouls. Cook did well early, got some nice breakouts, but I almost never feel like he’s in the flow in the half-court offense. And he has an almost Krauser-like ability to drive into nowhere and not know what to do with the ball.

Sloppy play, poor shooting, a lack of leadership from some of the upperclassmen, but some gritty play and hustle — and a 14-0 run to start the game — got the win.

Comment by Carmen 12.06.07 @ 9:02 am

Man, did Orlando Antigua get in Mike Cook’s face at the end of the first half about Cook’s defensive shortcomings! I was right there…30 + seconds of spit-flyin’, 3 inches from your nose hollering!

My son said, “Wow. I thought FOOTBALL was a [sic] ‘yelly’ sport!”

Ramon took four shots. FOUR. Fields took thirteen. Ummm…..those numbers should be reversed.

And Stuart, give the Dukes fans a break. As a graduate and fan of both schools, I can attest that it’s been a loooooooooong time for Dukes fans, and the students were just trying to make themselves feel better after a teaser of a game. Goodness knows that we Pitt fans would never stoop to such levels (sarcasm alert).

Comment by apostles03 12.06.07 @ 9:43 am

I thought Blair did an exceptional job inside. He was dominating a kid who is going to be a first round pick in the NBA draft (S. James). He was intimidated by Blair early in the game. Now if he is in foul trouble early and often it will be an issue. However, every team has the same problem with big men. Biggs is going to have to play better off the bench. Few teams will have a player as tall, athletic and quick as James therefore it should not be an issue all season. Blair will have a different challenge on Saturday. Brockman is undersized but bulky just like Blair. He will be playing an older, more polished version of himself on Saturday. Blair is more athletic so he should be okay, but Brockman is a stud. Should be a good matchup.

Comment by Omar 12.06.07 @ 3:53 pm

Diggs didn’t play because he’s soft, and plays like a little girl. You should have seen the tears streaming down his face this summer trying to guard Troutman – he wanted an offensive foul on every posession! Until he changes his mindset, he’ll never be serviceable on defense. This is cloud college – you’re not the tallest and toughest anymore. Time to step up. Too bad he only has 2 years here because that’s how long its going to take to get him into big east shape.

And to have to listen to “shit on pitt” clear as day on the radio puts the fans right up there with the classy “grays a faggot” wvu fans. You are what your words say you are.

Comment by Stuart 12.06.07 @ 6:08 pm

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