It’s going to be interesting to see what the VU game plan is and how it plays out.

Fields is a tough match-up because of his size (He’s small @ 5′11″) and stamina. He played 39 minutes in the loss vs Louisville. The next closest guy was Young @31 minutes. Dixon, the other guard also looks like he can put up points, albeit not by 3’s or foul shots. And from the stat sheet Sam Young can put up points all kinds of ways.

I say the way to beat them is ball pressure on the guards. Pick them up in the back court. Make them spend time bringing it up. Hound them. Push them to whatever area they don’t like to go. Trap them at every opportunity they go below the free throw line extended. Really pay attention to Young Dixon and Blair. Play the passing lanes. Deny and look for those steals. Push it at every opportunity to get some easy buckets.

Another key, look to challenge Blair, get him in foul trouble. He’s 6′8″ but “heavy”. If VU can do that, there goes a big portion of Pitt’s rebounds. And points. Tyrell Biggs is their other “rebounder.” He also had foul problems vs Louisville. Offensively he can step out and hit 3’s. It would be a VU dream to get both Blair and Biggs in foul trouble.

This is going to be a tough physical game. But I think VU will execute well enough all game, and adjust where and when necessary, so that in the end, they get their first win over a ranked opponent.