Now I’m not saying that DePaul has rendered itself invisible in Chicago with its 0-14 start. I’m just noting that the local dailies there aren’t even bothering with stories before taking on a top-5 team. It doesn’t help that Pitt is apparently favored by 27 points. Seriously? Oooh. I’d have to think for a while about that bet. (I mean, if I gambled in any form. Which of course, I don’t. Not at all. Nope. Not me.)

I’m bemused that Jim Calhoun’s complaints continue to get attention. Best thing that could happen. Since most of the attitude seems to be one of hypocrisy and poor form on Calhoun’s part, that can only help push back against any chance of influencing the refs in the season finale.

Technically, this is the soft part of the schedule. Of course, 2-of-3 are on the road at Seton Hall and Providence. Both are still worrisome. Of course, the kids are well schooled in their cliches, so they know what to say going into tonight.

Foreseeing the distractions, Dixon spoke to the team minutes after the victory against the top-ranked Huskies and warned the players of the perils ahead if they believe the hype.

“We addressed things right after the game,” Dixon said. “People are going to tell you how good you are. People tend to overreact to one game. We’re pretty level-headed. One game doesn’t change you. We need to do a lot of things better and they understand that.”

…

Junior guard Jermaine Dixon gave a simple explanation for not overlooking the Blue Demons.

“We’re playing for the No. 1 spot,” he said. “We’re tying to win the Big East. You have to win all of the games in conference. DePaul is a team in our conference, and they’re in our way. So we’re going to be ready for them.”

DePaul Coach Jerry Wainwright summed up what his team faces everynight.

“Everybody comes at us like they would at a first-division team.”

No one in the conference takes a game for granted. No team wants to take the really bad loss.

The game is on soon: ESPN Full Court, FoxSports Pittsburgh, MASN and SNY.