For No. 5. Pitt, it’s game on

Most Pitt fans didn’t expect it, because Levance Fields’ foot injury has kept him far from 100… Most Pitt fans didn’t expect it, because Levance Fields’ foot injury has kept him far from 100 percent for the last 11 months. But when Fields made his appearance in the starting lineup Friday night, he showed that the injury is likely a thing of the past. Fields’ 15 points and eight assists, along with DeJuan Blair’s double-double, helped Pitt jump to an early lead and cruise past Fairleigh Dickinson 86-63 at home on Friday night in its season opener. ‘I’ve never seen a team play man-to-man defense the way Pittsburgh plays it,’ said Fairleigh Dickinson coach Tom Green. ‘[Pitt’s] defense is the best defense I’ve ever coached against.’ That defense started early. All five Pitt starters registered at least one steal, with Tyrell Biggs, Sam Young and Blair tallying two each. And aside from making plays on defense, Blair made his presence felt with the ball, too. The sophomore center started the scoring for Pitt with a fast-break dunk and scored eight of the team’s first 12 points, helping to build a 16-2 lead. He finished the night with 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting. He also added 13 rebounds ‘- seven on the offensive end ‘mdash; and an assist. Fields, a senior guard who wasn’t expected to play, said he was impressed with what Blair did on both sides of the ball. ‘He dominated again,’ said Fields. Forward Sam Young, a first-team all-Big East selection last season and an All-America candidate, added 15. Junior college transfer Jermaine Dixon earned the start at guard opposite of Fields, scoring six points on 3-of-6 shooting while adding four assists in his Pitt debut. Three other Pitt players also played for the first time in Pitt colors, each registering 15 or more minutes. Freshman guard Ashton Gibbs scored eight points, while guard Travon Woodall scored three and added five assists. Forward Nasir Robinson tallied four and pulled in four rebounds. And while all four are first-year players at Pitt, Blair said he’s not letting age or experience get in the way of his expectations for what they can do. ‘I don’t think of there are freshmen on the team,’ said Blair. ‘They’re new guys.’ Fields logged 25 minutes and didn’t show any evidence of a sore foot. Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said Fields’ solid play surprised him, especially considering how little he’s been able to play leading up to the season. But Fields said that despite his injury and lack of preparation, he never doubted he’d be in the starting lineup. ‘I could’ve played in the exhibition, but there was no need to rush,’ he said. ‘I’m fine. My foot has no soreness.’