NFL Tickets
The Pittsburgh Panthers played host to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the noon slot on Saturday in a battle of the old Big East. This game had all the makings of an old-style Big East game as both teams played tough, physical basketball. Players drove through the lane while creating contact and referees were reluctant to blow their whistles — no blood, no foul.
The game was hostile, players repeatedly collided with one another on the court. After a Demetrius Jackson made lay-up, Jackson crashed into James Robinson on his way back to the defensive end of the floor. The first form of contact was accidental, but Jackson let him know he was there after a second chest bump and an extended forearm. Robinson would get the last laugh in this one after stealing Notre Dame’s inbound pass with less than five seconds to go. Robinson was fouled and made a free throw to put the Panthers up by two possessions to seal the victory.
Notre Dame played well, but only had two days to prepare for Pittsburgh. It didn’t appear as though Notre Dame had an emotional hangover from the Duke game as the Panthers shot 53.1 percent from the floor; Notre Dame was just in a trap game.
Classic trap loss for Notre Dame. Big win for a Pitt team that has been underwhelming all year
— Dana O’Neil (@ESPNDanaOneil) January 31, 2015
Jamel Artis put together a fantastic performance. Artis finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. The sophomore found himself open time and again along the baseline where he was able to utilize his silky jumpshot.
The win at home marks Pittsburgh’s first win over a ranked opponent this season. The Panthers have a ghost of a chance to make the big dance at this point in the season, but it’s a step in the right direction for Jamie Dixon’s crew. Who knows? Pittsburgh could get hot, and if they pick up more quality wins in the ACC, they could be a surprise team on Selection Sunday. It will be interesting to watch what Pittsburgh can do during the remainder of its ACC schedule.
James Szuba is a college basketball writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesSzuba.
Share 
