I realize after a performance like that, it is hard to be optimistic. I am not even pretending to be optimistic. All I can say, is that we won. Just like Memphis survived yesterday. Like No. 1 UConn did against No. 16 Albany in 2006. At least Pitt never trailed in the second half.
It also means that there is little chance that Pitt thinks it can cruise. There’s also this. I think back to the way Pitt blew out teams with ease the last two years then struggling and not doing as well in the second round — losing twice and needing OT to win. That’s the best I can do.
Levance Fields said this yesterday when meeting the media.
“Our goal is to survive and advance,” Fields said
In that respect Pitt did what they needed.
18, 19, 20 turnovers. Whenever the final stats come out it won’t be pretty. Lousy passing and players not coming to the ball. Not showing the energy expected or needed. It came down to Pitt’s superior talent being enough and ETSU really being a poor shooting team.
I guess, for us. Vent now. Get it out of the system. Go with the self-pity. Run with the venom and negativity. There’s a 24-hour period for this. Then just let it go.
amazed at how badly fields played today. this guy’s a senior. WTF?!
Agreed also on the sulker…Sam Young…he needs to get over himself. Biggs was equally atrocious and allowed ETSU to dominate the O boards by trying to get into a jumping contest instead of boxing out.
Having said all that, screamed at my wife and cat, ran a mile, drank too much scotch….
I think Jamie Dixon is too good a coach to let us lose Sunday. My spies tell me Fields is hurt bad.
Gibbs may start Sunday with Fields coming off the bench when he can….Pitt needs to bring it all Sunday. OSU will be pressing coming out of the locker room. The key is J Dixon who has to find his offense!
Sleep well all….survive and move on has taken on new meaning. Hail to friggin Pitt!!
Fields just doesn’t look the same player he was before the injury.
I’m hoping that we just played poorly (for the 2nd game in a row BTW) and that’s it. Because if the reason we looked so bad was Fields still being hurt, we’re screwed.
By “spies” do you mean “anybody who watched this afternoon’s game”? haha
I remember going into the season when the experts said that the key to our year was a healthy Fields. If he’s not right, we’re in trouble.
This whole team needs to WAKE THE F*** UP!!
Now I’m wondering what the big deal is. Granted PITT beat some good teams during the season but this isn’t the first time this year we’ve seen PITT play lackluster basketball. The good news is that they snapped out of it and rose to the occasion when needed during the regular season.
That said I wonder if they can do it again.
There is abundant talent on that team – but dare I say it – very little confidence. In both the last two game I saw PITT pretty much pull their heads into the shell and turtle. Blame it on not wanting to foul if you must – that’s a pretty convienent and well used excuse – but to get decimated on the offensive boards in succession in the two (arguably) biggest games of the year – when that is supposedly the team’s strong point – shows a real inherent problem at this time of the year. Out rebounded 20-9 on the offensive boards to ETSU shows more than ‘not wanting to foul’ – it shows a crack in the foundation.
Teams are going to press because we have no idea how to handle it. Here are helpful hints, don’t give the ball to Sam Young or Brad Wanamaker. Both have the unique ability to do a good imitation of pre-senior year Antonio Graves and dribble it off a knee or foot out of bounds.
I understand that you don’t want to be in foul trouble – but you also have to play defense. Pitt played no defense. Also, how do you get out-rebounded by East Tennessee State? Tyrell Biggs has to get more active.
My gut says that you have to start Fields since he is a senior…but granted, in about 10 minutes or whatever he played, Ashton Gibbs looked composed – and like he wanted to play.
Even if you lose money on the spread, make sure to always bet that Pitt will miss one layup and brick at least one dunk per game – you never miss the money doing that.
