The Fallacy of a Top Ten Pitt

For the sixth year in a row, the Pittsburgh Panthers are ranked in the top ten in December/January. For the sixth year in a row, the Pittsburgh the Panthers have started off the season at least 10-0. And for the sixth year in a row, the Pittsburgh Panthers will disappoint their fans by flopping in the NCAA Tournament.

Let's go through the seasons:
2003-2004
Started the season 18-0
Ranked as high as #9 before losing to UConn
Didn't play a ranked team until Jan. 19th
Lost to Oklahoma State in Sweet Sixteen

2004-2005
Started the season 10-0
Ranked as high as #7 before losing to Bucknell
Didn't play a ranked team until Feb. 14th
Lost to Pacific in First Round

2005-2006
Started the season 14-0
Ranked as high as #9 before losing to St. Johns
Didn't play a ranked team until Jan. 15th
Lost to Bradley in Round of 32

2006-2007
Started the season 10-0
Ranked as high as #2 before losing to Oklahoma State
Didn't play a ranked team until Dec. 16th
Lost to UCLA in Sweet Sixteen

2007-2008
Started the season 11-0
Ranked as high as #6 before losing to Dayton
Didn't play a ranked team until Dec. 20th
Lost to Michigan State in Round of 32

2008-2009
Started the season 12-0
Ranked as high as #3 before losing to ???
Didn't play a ranked team until Jan. 3rd
Lost to ??? in ???

I thought this was our best chance of winning out of the three game span against UConn, Pitt and ND. Way to beat Pitt is to force them to take set shots. Their starting guards, Levance Fields and Jermaine Dixon, are shooting a dismal 20% and 35% from beyond the arc. Despite our big men having the height advantage, we will lose the rebound battle again but if we control tempo, we can control how many second chance opportunities they end up with. Keep playing the matchup zone we showcased against UConn. Should be another classic G'town vs. Pitt game, JT3 is 4-3 against the Panthers, and 2-0 at home.


Good talk.