Villanova game critical for Pitt comeback
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Victories against Georgetown and West Virginia have rejuvenated Pitt's hopes of bucking the odds and making the NCAA tournament after the Panthers' first 0-7 start to Big East play. But the Panthers know they nearly have no margin for error the rest of the season, and that the easiest route to the NCAA tournament is paved by winning the remaining four home games.
"The older guys, we know the situation we're in," junior point guard Tray Woodall said. "We know the games we have to come out and win."
The game today against Villanova is one of them. Pitt has eight games remaining and likely needs to put six in the win column to give itself a chance at an NCAA at-large bid. Winning at home, especially against the struggling Wildcats, could go a long way in helping the Panthers realize their goal.
The Wildcats and Panthers are tied for 12th in the conference with 3-7 records. And while it is possible the loser of the game could still make the tournament, the winner has a much brighter outlook.
- Matchup: Pitt (14-9, 3-7) vs. Villanova (10-12, 3-7), 2 p.m. today, Petersen Events Center.
- TV, radio, Internet: ESPN, KDKA-FM (93.7), www.pittsburghpanthers.com.
- Pitt: Has not played since winning Monday at West Virginia, 72-66. ... Has won three consecutive games after losing seven in a row. ... Owns an eight-game home winning streak against Villanova. ... Junior G Tray Woodall (12.0 ppg, 7.0 apg) is 7 for his past 12 from 3-point range. ... Senior F Nasir Robinson (12.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg) is averaging 15.3 points per game since Woodall returned to the lineup, five more than he did during the previous eight games when Woodall was out for all but one.
- Villanova: Coming off 82-78 home loss against Marquette. ... Has lost four of its past six. ... Outrebounded, 27-11, in the second half of the Marquette game. ... Led by junior Gs Maalik Wayns (18.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Dominic Cheek (12.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg).
- Hidden stat: This is coach Jamie Dixon's 300th game. He is 230-69 and 142-17 at Petersen Events Center.
The Panthers have been buoyed by the return of Woodall, who has helped them to a 3-1 record since coming back from an abdominal injury that kept him out of the lineup for 11 of 12 games in December and January.
"We stayed with it," coach Jamie Dixon said. "We believed we could become a better team. The wins have helped that. We can't be satisfied. We need to keep pushing forward. We have to learn from our mistakes in the past and move on into the future."
First Published February 5, 2012 12:00 am
