Pittsburgh (93-7 The FAN) – Gary Parrish, senior college basketball writer for CBSSports.com, joined the FAN Morning Show to preview tonight’s Big East showdown at the Petersen Events Center.

No. 4 Syracuse will take on No. 5 Pitt for first place in the Big East. Parrish says the Orange still don’t have a shot at winning tonight and definitely have “no shot” with the loss of top scorer Kris Joseph.

The Pitt Panthers don’t have a “roster full of lottery picks,” but they are experienced and know how to play, Parrish said.

The way this team is playing has proven that coach Jamie Dixon is one of the very best college coaches in the country. He also said Panther fans should not worry about Dixon leaving because he has had many opportunities so far, so expect Dixon and Pitt to be relevant on the national scene for years to come.

Panthers center Gary McGhee is averaging seven points and seven rebounds this season. Parrish said, McGhee has turned around his game since he attended the LeBron James Skills Academy this summer.