Pittsburgh has fewer losses than Texas, plays in a better conference than Texas and even defeated Texas earlier in the season. Yet, the Longhorns are ranked ahead of the Panthers in both the AP Top 25 and coaches poll.
That’s because Texas is the sexier team.
The Longhorns have at least three NBA prospects, while Pittsburgh’s best player, Ashton Gibbs, is a jump shooting guard that has missed the last two games with a knee injury. Texas has won 10 straight games, while Pittsburgh lost to Notre Dame on Jan. 24.
Texas boasts one of the best scorers in the country, Jordan Hamilton. Pittsburgh relies on its rebounding — averaging 41.4 rebounds a game, fifth highest in the NCAA.
They might not have the same talent or name recognition as the Longhorns, but the Panthers’ dominance in the Big East deserves a little more credit from the pollsters.
