Congratulations to the Panthers on their win last night (You bastards!). Coming into the season, Jamie Dixon's team was viewed as a team that was rebuilding and picked to finish in the middle, if not lower in the Big East. That was an incorrect view.
After last night's win, Pitt stands 12th in RPI and 8th in SOS, so they aren't fluking their way to 20-6. They've beaten the conference leaders save Villanova who they have at home on Sunday. That includes a win at the Carrier Dome. Outside of the Big East, they have one decent neutral court win over Wichita State (52 RPI) and a loss at Texas (In December) and a perplexer against Inidana.
As witnessed last night, Pitt plays pretty strong defense and rank 26th in AdjD. They hold opponents below 40% from the field (25th) and defend the 3 very well (27th). Not a surprise the 'Quette struggled. They also do a nice job on the boards (30th) and share the ball on offense (24th).
But offense is going to be their undoing come March. They don't score enough (182nd) and don't make many 3's (244th). Though they share the ball well, they turn it over more than they take it away (272nd).
Jamie Dixon has done a good job putting this team in position to reach the dance again. I don't think they'll be around long but with all major contributors except for Jermaine Dixon coming back next season, keep an eye on the Panthers for 2011.
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