Bubble Woes

The Dawg has to admit, I'm finally a little worried about the Pitt Panthers making the NCAA tournament.

The last two double digit losses on the road to Marquette and Notre Dame were disconcerting not only because of the point differentials, but also because of the nature of them. Pitt seemed to literally lay down in the 2nd half with absolutely no answer for when the momentum swung their opponent's way. The last time a Dixon coached team displayed this characteristic they were bowing out of the NCAA tournament in the first round against the likes of Pacific University. I'm not ready to predict a similar ending to this season, but I'm certainly worried enough about it to mention it in this column.

One man gives me hope, and every Pitt fan knows who I'm talking about. The General, The Blue Devil Slayer, the Hero of Madison Square Garden...whatever you call him, he is without a doubt the true leader of this team. Sure Levance Fields has already been back...in fact he played significant minutes in both of the losses that now have me concerned about the Panthers in the first place. But he isn't truly back...not yet. Maybe he will arrive tomorrow against Louisville, maybe later next week. But when he does I do believe the Panthers will go on a run that leads them deep into the Big East and NCAA tournaments.

Pitt might seem lost right now, but they have also proven they have the talent and determination to play with the best in the nation. With a confident Fields the Panthers will be a very deadly opponent in the post season. Very rarely does the team that dominates all season long win the NCAA basketball championship. Last year Florida was the favorite from beginning to end. But the year before they weren't even mentioned as one of the true contenders for the title before they shocked Villanova in the Elite Eight and overwhelmed George Mason and UCLA to win it all.

So there is a lot to be gained, but a leader must emerge as soon as tomorrow if Pitt wants to end the season the way they started it...by beating the best college basketball has to offer.