New drinking game: Take a shot when the announcers mention that Jermaine Dixon’s brother is Juan Dixon.

Take two shots if they show Juan sitting courtside.

Drink the entire bottle if the announcers diss Juan for having a below-average NBA career.

Anyone know where I can find the regional tv listings for the game?

Chas,

I have no idea about this one, either…having said that, I’d be nervous if we were playing a group of blindfolded fifth graders!

But, I do believe in this TEAM!

Hail to PITT!
-al-

Ira,

If all else fails, all games are live at cbssports.

Hail to PITT!
-al-

Jimbo, I almost died playing that game but with Levon Kendall piano references. I will not be fooled twice.

“Ira,

If all else fails, all games are live at cbssports.

Hail to PITT!
-al-”

No, it’s not live. with all the buffering it’s 40 minutes of action packed into 4.5 hours.

Luke, I watched the first Pitt game on cbssports and it was actually a second ahead of the broadcast when my CBS station switched to the game

Well, we win that game if we can finish a layup in the first 25 minutes. Also, Dixon and Wannamaker took some of the worst shots that this team put up all year today. Wanny had about 2 and Dixon at least 3 or 4. Love that this team never quit and kept fighting to get back into it. Good year.

For all of those Pitt fans who said moving to the Big Ten would be bad for basketball, you guys really suck. You can’t even beat an Atlantic-10 runner-up! Get over yourselves, really! You suck!

Tough loss, but great year. Really enjoyed watching this team. And if you’d told me before the tournament that we’d get as far as Kansas, I would have taken it, LOL.

Why didn’t you say pitt would beat Xavier? Come on do you like pitt? Reply please on my blog.

Ummm, you didn’t get as far as Kansas.

Uh, Matt? A little perspective, please. Pitt was picked to finish 9th in the Big East this year, and started the youngest team in the conference. We overachieved. But unlike Penn State, we won the majority of our games and sold out our arena for every game… not just on the Saturdays when the students were in town (yeah, how’d you like a Pitt fan throwing the attendance thing at Penn State for a change?).

But overall, this was to be a rebuilding year. We nearly made the Sweet 16. I can live with that kind of rebuilding.

Besides, the Big Ten isn’t exactly lighting up the tourney either.

Ummm, Matt, Kansas lost in the second round. Pitt lost in the second round. We got as far as Kansas did.

Thanks for a great season, Pitt men. If you would have told me that Pitt would lose in the last second of a second round tournament game and beat three top five teams along the way, there isn’t one Pitt fan that honestly can say they wouldn’t say, “sign me up”.

Tonight’s game was tough to take, but Pitt couldn’t make shots when they needed to. Gilbert struggled in the first half, and Ashton struggled in the second. They missed a lot of layups and had to withstand a great personal effort by Crawford. Even so, they fought to the end and never gave up, a hallmark of this particular team. I do wish Jermaine Dixon could have gone out on a better note – 1-9 is probably not what he had hoped for but he gave us a great two years overall.

Kudos to Coach Dixon for getting as much out of this team as he did, and I think the future looks quite bright. This team will be much stronger mentally next year with all of the comebacks made this season, and perhaps J.J. Moore or Isaiah Epps or Cameron Wright will be that consistent scorer that this team seemed to lack. All in all, I am very excited about the future of Pitt basketball, although I am sad to see this season end.

Just heard a Jamie Dixon to Texas rumor – that’s a new one.

Well, I am SO TIRED of how great the Big Least is. The Big Ten has three teams in the Sweet 16. How many does the Big Least have? Two. And you have 16 teams! So don’t diss the Big Ten. The Big Least ain’t nothing.

Well, thank goodness you are so confident in yourself that you need to troll the sites of other teams. Stay classy.

Your grammar “ain’t nothing” either. Michigan State and Purdue are in the Sweet 16 by the skin of their teeth. Only OSU have really asserted themselves. Besides, I don’t care how good the Big 10 teams do in the tournament, Big 10 regular season games are quite possibly the most boring 40 minutes of basketball imaginable.

The Big East conference has done horribly. Notre Dame, Georgetown, Marquette, Louisville, Pitt and Villanova are out within the first two rounds. Five of these six lost to a lower seeded team with the exception being Louisville. A couple teams lost to significantly lower seeds. Even if WVU and Syracuse finish strong, I’m convinced the Big East is over-hyped and in no way better than the Big Ten or any other conference. I don’t swallow all that BS about how they beat-up on each other all year long either. Every conference plays hard, some harder than the Big East. No matter what, Pitt should have made it to the Sweet 16. Pitt is an annual NCAA tournament choke machine.

I agree that the Big East isn’t necessarily better than any conference in terms of talent/ability. However, to me–and this could be strictly bias on my part–Big East games are just more fun to watch. Now, I’ll probably watch a Big 10 football game over the Big East any day (except if Pitt is playing), but when it comes to basketball, I’m more entertained by the Big East (and the Big 12) than I am by any other conference. And since I care more about basketball than football, I’d rather Pitt stay where they’re at. Being in the Big 10 won’t magically make us a better tournament team. If we’re going to choke every year, I’d prefer to do it after an exciting season of Big East basketball

Forbes, my guess is that you DO swallow, and often CHOKE on the things that you swallow…sorry, I could not resit…Great season that leaves us with a lot to look forward to for next season. Thank you to players and coaches for such a fun season.

Anyone who says pitt choked is an ignorant ass-clown. They gave us as memorable a season as there’s been in the last 10, and frankly they had nobody with the talent to match crawford today. It’s a gutting loss, bit a bit of perspective will show it was quite a year. Looking forward to ’10-’11…

Well, I am SO TIRED of douchebags who come and troll on other team’s blogs.

Just sayin’.

Don;t click on Matty’s link above. Just trying to get traffic by being an asshat. Can’t even respond without being “approved” by the moderator.

As someone who went to college there, I can confidently say that Ohio State fans are the most idiotic, fragile fans in all of sports.

First off, Mister Anonymous, you can kiss my ass. Secondly, Jason, you can kiss my ass too. Thirdly, Maguro, you can kiss my ass. I don’t know if any of you are Pitt grads, and don’t care. I am and my “Pittsburgh” credentials are in order. I am not “trolling.” I am expressing my opinion. If any of you ladies wants to meet me somewhere to discuss this in person let me know.

HB Frank, I overlooked you because you suck.

Overall an overachieving year for the Panthers. Would have like to have won this game and it was a winnable one, but Pitt’s weaknesses cropped up at a bad time; plus Xavier did play better than Pitt overall. I can remember walking into the Wofford game this year saying it was a rebuilding year, expecting 15-18 wins while the young talent develops. My only hopes were a strong Big East tourney showing and some type of post season tourney (NCAA or NIT). After we have time to look back and reflect on this season and the talent and youth we had, it was a good if not great year for Pitt men’s basketball with an outstanding coaching job by Jamie Dixon and his staff. Pitt should be ranked preseason in the top 4 of the Big East next year and top 25 easily. Also, this loss does NOT hurt as much as last years to ‘Nova in the final eight.

Really enjoyed this season. Agreed with Chas from the beginning that we shouldn’t get too high or to low, because no one knew what to expect. We got more than anyone imagined and then our expectations rose. Today’s was tough for that reason, but there were good signs from the guys who will return. I can’t wait for next season to start!

Thanks to Jermaine for two years of heart and hustle. That will be missed.

Are you ready for some football?!!!

Hail to PITT!

Not sure how to take this one, losing to a A10 team is no shame but you have to admit the Big East really had a difficult opening 2 rounds.

Say what you want but good basketball teams exist in all conferences in all areas of the country.

Thanks to Chas for the site and Coach Dixon and the Pitt Team for a year that exceeded all expectations. All NCAA losses are tough, and the assholes that like to rub it in our very passionate faces need to get a life because they have no chance of every having any class! We have some glaring weakness’s that Coach D was able to hide or overcome..mostly on offense. I would like to stress the positive that occurred this year:

1. This was the best foul shooting Pitt team in years.Thank you !
2. This Pitt BBall team had more drive and will to win than any other in this era. You had to drive a stake in their hearts to beat them.
3. The development of the young players was exceptional…Taylor looks like a different player at years end…Gibbs..what an improvement…and Brown finally had back to back good games. But..the real improvement that allowed Pitt to hang with everyone was McGhee.He personally allowed Pitt to board with most and was a force on O and D for the team.
4. Our ballhandling was much improved over last year…with some small exceptions.
5. Still think Richardson will play a major role inside.
6. Wanny and Robinson are stars in the making.

AS this loss wears off, everyone will appreciate it more.

Thanks again…Hail to Pitt.

today anger tomorrow acceptance

Looks to me like Jordan Crawford, Dwayne Waded us. No shame there.

Forbes avenue, I’ll see you on Forbes avenue. If you don’t care whether I’m a Pitt grad, why ask? Because I am, and I certainly never cared that you and your ass-clown statements came from there too.
Pitt could certainly be accused of choking in the past–kent st, maybe marquette losses. If you take the whole season from the beginning of practices, you can’t call this a choke. Disappointment, yes, Choke, no.

Agreed, Jason. This was not a choke. That was a great second half. A bit better execution in a few spots in the second half, a few more rolls in the first half, and that was a 5-6 point win.

What sticks out in mind most, though: that little lefty hook from Taylor. Smooth as can be. Bodes well for next year. Some time in the weight room and some more touches, and I think Sleepy may be a force next year.

And, Forbes, a “step outside”? Really? How manly of you.

This was a tough loss to end a surprisingly good season. In November the talk was where the BE wins would come from to get us to the big dance. Looking back, there were so many great moments. The win over Syracuse, the surprising opening run in conference play, the come from behind win over L’ville, the OT win over WVU, shocking Nova, finishing #2 in the conference. A 3 seed in the NCAA’s. What a run! Especially for a young and inexperienced team. Cudos to Coach Dixon. The prospects for the future are very bright.

Can’t wait till next year!

Forbes, I was referring to Matt Barker, not you. But if you want to step outside and fight anyway, I’ll see on the playground after school!

Hell of a year. I personally can’t wait to see the guys who redshirted, Zanna and Patterson, on the court next year. I think Patterson especially may really help this team with his ability to score. Also, another summer for Woodall to improve his shooting, and possible scoring contributions from incoming freshmen, and I think we may be a lot less offensively challenged next year.

The most exciting thing from this game was that Dante Taylor seemed to assert himself for one of the first times this a year. A little weightlifting and film study over the summer and him and Gary will be that much better.

Hell of a season. I gave up when we were down to WVU, Louisville, and when we were down by thirteen tonight and these guys never, ever quit. Great life lesson.

Thank you Panthers for a wonderful season. You grew together, weathered adversity, and never, never, gave UP—You truly give make me proud to say:

PITT is IT!!!

Hail to PITT!
-al-

can’t tell how much I’m looking forward to next year when a few players will return to their natural positions. I see Taylor making a big stride next year that will provide the team with an inside threat whcih was sorely missed against big frontlines this year. We willbe more balance, more experienced and more confident.

Which players are moving to their “natural” positions? Gibbs will play more 2 since Woodall has asserted himself as a capable point guard, but who else do you think is going to change Dixon’s mind?

Another year – another choke. We can say all we want about this team exceeding expectations – but their result was no different than many teams of Pitt history. Nice season – lousy tourney. Now that the dust has settled and its clear that the Big East was the Little East, Pitt was more like an 8 or 9 seed. With that as the starting point, one and done does not seem so bad. Cant wait until next year – till we lose exit quickly in the Tourney, but pat our selves on the back for what a great season we had.

No rebuttles – that is a surprise –

Two comments. Someone needs to introduce Gary McGhee to a pair of hands. Its like he tries to grab the ball with closed fists. And this one is much more important. Put this note on Dante Taylor’s front door. Dear Dante: Please let me introduce you to Mr. Buddy Morris. Show up and meet him Monday morning. PS – I hope you enjoy his company cause you will see him more than other human for the next 6 months!

At least I’ll never have to watch Jermaine Dixon again.

Dan 72 – you must have been watch some other games than I did. The times I saw PITT lose they looked liked they couldn’t care less out there. Now – that wasn’t the case yesterday though.

I think this team had a hard time dealing with success – they would beat a ranked team and then during the next game play as if they expected to have the win handed to them.

Sorry, but as good as a coach Jamie Dixon is, and he is a good one, IMO this year was not one of his better coaching jobs at PITT.

One may say that he had nothing to work with – but he had enough talent on the squad to get 25 wins and personally, I think he should have gotten more.

I am proud of our team but angry at CBS, which did not have enough bandwith (or whatever) to allow me to watch the second half online. And, to boot, Pitt is such an afterthought to them, they featured the Duke game in the NYC area. For shame!

I would’ve loved to have seen Sleepy’s 2nd half performance from what you guys say. Our center play was so abysmal in the 1st half it made it impossible for guys like Wanamaker, Robinson and Dixon to drive to the hoop.

5 minutes.

There was a 5 minute span in the 1st half when Pitt went on a drought and Xavier was nailing every shot, no matter how ridiculous.

Pitt never could quite catch back up.

There’s your game.

I believe the previous game against no defense, Oakland, hurt us in the first half, against X. Took us a half to get back up to speed.

We got 2 decent looks to tie at the end… shit happens. The team will be more experienced next year. Also, Isn’t timing a bitch? Imagen last year’s team in this years NCAA tournament.

I meant imagine…

Pathetic performance by this team… Why is it that PITT consistently plays to the level of competition? They are world beaters against higher ranked opponents yet when they play a lower ranked or seeded team they get run out of the building. In the last 9 NCAA tournament appearances Pitt has consistently lost to a much a lower seed. This is a pattern that is just not acceptable is this program ever desires to become a National Elite Program and win the NCAA tourney.

So yes, I’m still pissed at that performance PITT put on last night.

To all supporters and non-supporters…

Here is some food for thought first from Smizik @ the Post-Gazette

link to community.post-gazette.com

Here is some more food for thought from Gorman @ the Tribune

link to pittsburghlive.com

Notice some similarities?

FYI Pitt was an underdog in the game yesterday so I wouldn’t say they played down to the competition or choked. Xavier has legit talent and really hadn’t lost since there terrible 8-5 start to the season.

Very good season comes to a halt, but nothing to be sad about…they definitely overachieved this year, no question for me. Aside from all the other good reasons people have given, Dixon and McGee weren’t just average to below average offensive players, they were pretty bad actually…and the other three starters were brand new, so that’s much to overcome. Not dissing those two, as they contributed alot in other ways, but we had major point scoring challenges all year..and still had a very good season.

Definitely looking forward to next year and more confident, experienced, and aggressive Gibbs, Woodall, Brown, Wannamaker, and Taylor…that could be the beast of the east.

Hello, I see the logic, but I’m not sure this game proves it (in terms of Pitt not having enough offense). They socred 3 more points than us. How does that make them “superior” on offense. If Crawford misses two of those horrible shots he threw up and hit from 3, today he is the goat. Instead he makes them, so he is the hero. It does not change the fact that he took at least 2 really bad shots, and hit them (the one from the corner, and the one he took from 6 feet behind the 3pt line with a new shot clock and a 10 point lead). The percentages on those plays will net you far more losses than victories over a season. I do think this, Xavier was “going for broke”, and we were trying to manage a victory. In other words, they gambled and won. To the victor belongs the spoils. Will those circus shots continue to fall for Crawford the rest of the tournament? Time will tell.

Marco, I think you need to do some research. We do not consistently get beaten by a “much lower seed”. In 2003 we were a 2 that lost to a 3. In 2004, a 3 that lost to a 2. In 2005, a 9 losing to an 8. In 2007, a 3 losing to a 2. In 2008, a 4 losing to a 5. In 2009, a 1 losing to a 3. Only in 2002 and 2006 did we lost to a much lower seed. And in 2002 we were playing a 10 seed that had already upset 2 other teams.

Not only is Pitt maybe the most over rated team in the NCAA – Jamie Dixon is possibly the most over rated coach. We will never make it to the final four with this guy – as he does not have the skill to coach from the bench – and more importanly he can not attract the talent necessary to move Pitt from a top 30 to a top 10 team – lets get real people – wake up and look at the results – we are mediocre