Tonight’s open thread.

HALFTIME UPDATE: Pitt has a 34-30 lead.

The ESPN regional crew is solid in calling the game. Color guy (sorry I didn’t catch who) made a very good observation that Pitt’s improved perimeter defense later in the half came from simply putting the arms up more — that Pitt was had the arms down trying to poke at the ball and get a steal. This made a huge difference.

Aaron Gray is showing some great hustle. Getting rebounds, blocking shots and just getting to the ball. He has 10 points with Torin Francis forgetting to show up — again — for ND.

Young missed an easy dunk trying to make it spectacular.

ND had the early 3 point success, and keeps settling for the jumpers and outside shots as expected. No inside game.

RETIRED NUMBER UPDATE: An interesting compromise, they were banners, with the number and an image of the player in action, and in the case of Knight and Smith — showing their jersey. Then the new Pitt logo at the bottom.

FINAL UPDATE: Pitt wins 100-97 in 2OT. Whew.

Gray and Krauser were huge for scoring. Krauser took advantage of guards that were a step behind him. Gray was open and Francis was not aggressive against him and was out of the game most of the second half. Back in only because of ND players fouling out.

The perimeter defense was beautiful most of the game — except for the final minutes. That was led by Ramon who really is the defensive leader on the team. He really sets the tone and the other guards seem to take their cues from him. Ramon of course showed the heroics by nailing the game-winning 3

Quinn came on strong at the end to make it unbelievably scary before thankfully fouling out. He played 49 of 50 minutes — only fouling out kept him from playing the entire game. 37 points on 13-23 shooting.

Lots to digest and I haven’t even had a chance to look at the Rose Bowl.