I wish I had more time. I don’t, so rather than break things down from the game — for now — I’m just going to hit a link dump.
Talib Zanna’s impact seems to have been a big theme from the write-ups. Here. Here. Here. Here. A double-double on a national stage will do that.
From a Maryland perspective, the first thing they are bemoaning are — unsurprsingly — the missed free throws. Any mention of all the missed bunnies and open drives by Pitt — especially in the first half that kept things equal? Of course not.
That and Pitt’s depth wearing down the Terps late in the game. Something that could also be a factor with a potentially tired Texas team tonight.
Inside the defense focused on shutting down Jordan Williams — and they did a solid job of that. Other defense was a little shaky at times, but taking out the primary threat and getting rebounds.
Pitt’s depth got a little, um, deeper with Nasir Robinson returning. In limited time, he provided his energy and toughness inside. Easy to forget that he plays a lot bigger and stronger than he appears.
A couple other write-ups and a bit of a puff piece referring back to the Ireland trip.
Looks like there should be another liveblog tonight. Gametime 7pm on ESPN2. Though, since it follows the Maryland-Illinois game, it may start a little later.
I am not as upset at Brown for his shooting problems as I am for not having his head in the game. His defensive lapses are scary and he does things with the ball on offense that break down the success of our sets. Do not think he is mentally challanged but somehing is woefully wrong with this boy. So, he’ll score 30 tonight!
Pitt will crush Texas tonight. Go Pitt!
I wouldn’t worry about the write-ups from the Maryland perspective as we Pitt Blather bloggers well know that it is always the fault of Pitt’s coaches and players when we lose, and can never be attributed to the talent or resolve of the opponents.
So many topics to broach but I just want to address Gil Brown. A lot of people are frustrated with him and such, and its understood, but come on guys we know what it is- Gil will score 25 tonight and save the game! As frustrating as he is he’s still a threat to drop 20 and 12 easily. Even though we all feel he should average those stats he is still a valuable weapon. Someone said it in the other thread but I think its very true- the guy does not have many offensive moves. In fact, my favorite of his moves is when he dribbles into the lane, the defender is in good position, Gil looks stuck in turnover land and then launches himself above everyone and slams it home. Between that, open 3s and the occasional baseline jumper he’s not much of a scorer.
Really looking forward for some payback tonight. That game between Illinois and Texas was frantic at times but honestly despite that final score I thought both teams played good D at times. Texas played well the whole game but Ill hit all those 3s in the first half. Transition defense and per usual rebounding will be the keys tonight.