PITT Hoops Team Sinks in Claws in on Big East and NCAA

By: Marc R.

Another Big East showdown and another W for Jamie Dixon and the Pitt Panthers. On the other side of the table, the "crown jewel" of the ACC (The Tarheels) fell Sunday night for the second game in a row. I must admit, the Demon Deacons are good and Teague is a strong guard. However, I do believe the way the Panthers dominated St. John's Sunday (90-67 W) cemented the belief that Pitt is the best team in the land.

When Pitt took over the highest slot in the poles last week (The first time in school history) Jamie Dixon's career hit a new high. After Ben Howland's departure to UCLA, a lot of fans said "Jamie who?" but Dixon's presence on the sideline of the Petersen Events Center was just what the University of Pittsburgh needed in its athletic department. His demeanor is one of excitement and confidence when his team takes the floor. Dixon's actions are fun to watch because he values the opportunity he has be awarded and has made it one of the most sucessful in collegiate basketball. On Sunday, he pumped his fists in delight while crouching down as he approved of another Big East win.

It is hard to argue that The Big East is not the best conference in the NCAA for basketball. I know men like Digger Phelps and "The General" would agree. With Pitt at the top of the conference and the rankings; the ACC, the Big 12 and Pac-10 have a lot of work to do to prove their dominance throughout the long winter months. When March rolls around, the Panthers will be a number one seed and will be playing in Detroit in the Final Four.

Isn't it convenient that a team from the Steel City will once again dominate Ford Field in a final. This time it will not be with a pigskin, but an orange sphere!

I know Jamie's younger sister, Maggie, is looking down on her big brother with a smile and her much deserved wings are helping to lift the Panthers this season!