Delaware State stands in the way of Pittsburgh's 10-0

Although the 9-0 University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball team has yet to face a Big East opponent, head coach Jamie Dixon stressed that the nonconference schedule is not to be overlooked.

“I don’t think there is anything easy about our schedule,” Dixon said. “Just because we’re beating teams by a large margin doesn’t mean they’re easy. It means we played well.”

The Panthers frequently play well in nonconference contests, as they’ve won their last 53 such games at home, including their most recent win against Rider on Saturday. No. 3 Pitt executed its game plan en route to an 87-68 victory this weekendand will look to continue those efforts as it hosts the Delaware State Hornets tonight at the Petersen Events Center.

Delaware State, a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, boasts two outstanding freshmen players who will be a primary focus for the Panthers’ defense. Casey Walker and Desi Washington combined for 37 points, including eight 3-pointers, in the Hornets’ most recent 75-56 victory over Maine.

No. 3 Men's Basketball Hosts Delaware State on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET

Contest will be broadcast on the internet on ESPN3.com; Pitt is 17-0 all-time vs. MEAC schools; owns an 81-1 record vs. non-conference opponents at the Petersen Events Center.

GAME 10: DELAWARE STATE (4-3, 1-0 MEAC) at #3 PITT (9-0, 0-0 Big East)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 • 7 p.m. ET
Petersen Events Center (12,508) • Pittsburgh, Pa.
Television: ESPN3.com (John Sanders and Anthony Buford; Producer: Matt McCandlish).

The Coaches: Pitt: Jamie Dixon, 12th year at Pitt, 8th year as head coach (197-54); Delaware State: Greg Jackson, 20th year at Delaware State (323-228), 20th year overall (323-228).
Rankings: Pitt: AP-3; ESPN-3. Delaware State: AP-NR; ESPN: NR.

Series: Pitt and Delaware State meet for the third time with Pitt leading with a 2-0 record. The last time the two schools met was on November 14, 2006, a 67-50 Pitt win at the Petersen Events Center. Pitt is 17-0 all-time vs. the MEAC (Coppin St. 3-0, Delaware St. 2-0, Florida A&M 1-0, Howard 3-0, Maryland Eastern Shore 1-0, Morgan St. 2-0, Norfolk St. 2-0, North Carolina A&T 3-0).

 Delaware State Basketball 

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