NEW YORK -- It's not uncommon for conference commissioners to state their case to the NCAA selection committee. But that usually happens in early March, days before the selection committee picks the 65-team field.

The Big East took the unusual step of campaigning for more teams to be included in the tournament at Big East media day yesterday.

After Cincinnati and Syracuse were left out of the tournament the past two seasons, the Big East wants the selection committee to understand that middle-of-the-pack teams in the Big East standings deserve consideration for entry into the 65-team field.

"I'm anxious to see what happens with the NCAA tournament," Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese said. "I can't tell you how disappointed I was that Syracuse didn't get in. I've tried to be objective, but I can't understand it. I didn't say anything [in March] because I didn't feel like it was the right time. But we have coaches in this room who feel like they are being arbitrated against."

After receiving eight tournament bids in 2005, the first season with 16 teams in the league, the Big East only had six teams get into the tournament in the spring. Syracuse was left out even though the Orange had a 24-7 overall record and 10 victories in conference play.

"When only 37 percent of our teams get in, there's a problem," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. "Especially when 55 percent from other conferences are getting in."

Pitt picked fourth

Louisville and Georgetown find themselves in the same position Pitt was a year ago. The Cardinals and Hoyas were picked as the preseason favorites by the Big East's coaches. Marquette was picked to finish third followed by Pitt in fourth place.

Pitt's placement is somewhat surprising considering three seniors graduated and five newcomers are being brought into the mix.

"It probably reflects what we've done the past six years," Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said. "If you look at it on paper, the number of players we have returning, you wouldn't think you would get that high of a ranking."

West Virginia was picked to finish 10th.

Alumni game

Pitt will stage an alumni basketball game Nov. 4 before Pitt's final exhibition game against IUP. Many stars from the past are expected to play, including Charles Smith and Jerome Lane.

Pitt is expected to release more information on the game next week.

More on Dodson

Dixon has not ruled out that Darnell Dodson could return to Pitt someday.

Dodson was forced to transfer to Miami Dade Junior College Tuesday when the NCAA Clearinghouse ruled that he was not eligible to play at Pitt this season.