There are currently eight undefeated teams left: North Carolina, Miami (FL), Kansas, Memphis, Washington State, Vanderbilt, Mississippi, and our Pitt Panthers. Looking to keep the streak alive tonight in Dayton. Both teams have been off since before Christmas — Dayton beat Loyola (MD) a week ago while Pitt last played two Thursdays ago and beat Duke.
It’s been mentioned that there will be plenty of support for the Flyers tonight, and they haven’t hosted such a big name opponent in a long time. The fans and players and everyone else wants to knock us off — the target on our backs comes with the territory I guess. They are 10-1 with their only loss coming very early in the season against George Mason. Since then they’ve rolled off nine straight including a win over then-#11 Louisville. In that game, Brian Roberts had 28 points and carried the team — watch out for him tonight.
The big theme from the national media has been putting Pitt on “upset alert”.
ESPN:
Pitt and Dayton are both terrific defensive teams, holding opponents to fewer than 60 points per game. The Flyers could pull off the upset if the defense holds and if last season’s A-10 Sixth Man of the Year, forward Charles Little, steps up his game.
Why you should watch: The Flyers have played surprisingly well and look as if they’ll be a contender in the Atlantic 10. A victory over Pitt, though, and Dayton becomes a team that could stay in the top 25 all season.
The buzz: Pitt has used its usual modus operandi – tough defense and dominating play in the paint – to get off to a fast start. Big men DeJuan Blair and Sam Young are an effective duo, and point guard Levance Fields has been excellent. Dayton also is playing good defense, but the Panthers will be the best team the Flyers have seen this season. Freshman F Chris Wright must hold his own in the low block and also stay out of foul trouble for Dayton to have a chance.
Spotlight player: Dayton senior guard Brian Roberts is underrated nationally and is playing at an extremely high level this season. He’s the Flyers’ only real long-range threat. Pitt’s perimeter defense has been outstanding.
The Panthers are coming off a huge win against Duke, but this atmosphere will be even tougher. The Flyers are one of the nation’s hottest programs.
(h/t: Raise the Jolly Roger for the links)
Just writing this post has made me a bit more nervous that I was 20 minutes ago. It will certainly be a tough game, but this isn’t the kind of team to get a big head and walk into UD expecting to easily win. Just keep Roberts in check and I think we’re in good shape. Tipoff is at 8:00 on ESPN2. Go Pitt.
Ken Pomeroy has pitt 8th
offensive rank- 9 defensive rank-21
dayton, however-
ranked-67th
adjusted offense- 62 adjusted D- 89
