Pitt Basketball Could Bring Valparaiso to the "Pete"

Pitt Basketball is trying to schedule a home contest with Valparaiso after being left out of college basketball’s Big East-SEC Challenge according to ESPN’s Andy Katz.

Valparaiso will be among the preseason favorites to win the Horizon League and is well known for Bryce Drew’s last-second shot to beat Mississippi State in the 1998 NCAA Tournament.

In his blog, Katz reports that:

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Pitt is still trying to fill a major home date after not getting an expected home game in the Big East-SEC Challenge. The Panthers would be wise to lock in a home game with Horizon League favorite Valparaiso. There have been talks between the two and Pitt may not get a better RPI game on the non-conference home schedule.

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The Pitt Panthers basketball program needs to fill a void in its schedule after not receiving a spot in the annual Big East-SEC Challenge.

With most power conference teams having full schedules, Valparaiso could be one of the best options left for Pitt.

Valparaiso finished its season 22-12 overall and 14-4 in the Horizon League.

The Crusaders bring back all but two players for the 2012-13 season including scoring leaders Ryan Broekhoff and Kevin Van Wijk.

Last season, Pitt finished 27-12 overall and 5-13 against Big East opponents. The Panthers' season ended on a high note by beating Washington State in the College Basketball Invitational Championship.

Led by senior guard Tray Woodall and five-star forward recruit Steven Adams, Pitt basketball may end up in the preseason Top 25 and contend for a Big East Conference Championship.