Q: I thought it was possible to keep the season somewhat together after we lost Mike Cook and Levance Fields. Dixon showed signs that he could still keep things going. But after watching Saturday's effort or lack there of I'm just not so sure. I know that you can't shoot well every night, but that was the first time that I really ever saw a Dixon-coached team just quit in the second half. Young seemed to turn back into his old self that was going through the motions but just didn't seem to want to be there (example that loose ball that he allowed a 6-foot guard to take from him). Then Blair not only gets 1 but 2 fouls 25 feet from the hoop for the same stupid call. That has to be a total lack of concentration on his part. Doesn't he understand that he is of no value when he is sitting on the pine. I think it is going to take every bit of Dixon's coaching to turn this around. Their schedule only gets tougher from this point forward. I'm concerned that all the injuries and the limited bench has finally caught up with them. What is your take?

Jeff Kish, Latrobe

FITTIPALDO: I am looking forward to see how the Panthers respond tomorrow night against Villanova. The Rutgers game was a total embarrassment and Dixon has addressed his team about the poor work ethic in that game. Because of the injury situation Dixon had been keeping practice light to avoid more injuries, but he put the players through a spirited workout Monday afternoon that got back to the roots of Pitt's physical style of play. That should help address the rebounding and defensive issues from the Rutgers game.

Dixon has been very adept at getting his players to respond after disappointing losses. This is a home game and I would expect a strong effort against Villanova. The Wildcats edged Pitt, 64-63, on Jan. 6.

In that game the Panthers had 22 turnovers. If they can limit turnovers in this game and put forth an honest effort they should be able to beat the Wildcats, who have lost two in a row and three of

their past five.