Pitt men’s, women’s hoops begin

Before the Pitt men’s and women’s basketball teams could start their annual Blue-Gold scrimmage,… Before the Pitt men’s and women’s basketball teams could start their annual Blue-Gold scrimmage, they had to do one thing: introduce themselves to their fans. Yesterday the two teams held Fan Fest, an afternoon event at the Petersen Events Center. Members of the both teams, as well as Pitt coaches Jamie Dixon and Agnus Berenato, sat at tables either in the lobby or the concourse level of the Pete as fans walked around getting autographs. ‘[The men’s and women’s teams] have the same fan base,’ said Berenato. ‘It’s a great opportunity to bring out the fans.’ Also hanging around during the festivities were cheerleaders, members of the band and Pitt’s mascot, Roc. On the concourse level between sections 215 and 216 there was an area for children to play on an inflatable jumping jamboree, toss a football, shoot a basketball or get something airbrushed onto their arm. But the main draw, unless you’re a huge fan of jumping jamborees or airbrushed paint, was a first chance to see the men’s and women’s team in action. The women’s scrimmage consisted of two 12-minute halves, with the Gold team coming out on top, 33-31. Sophomore Taneisha Harrison, who is expected to come off the bench this year, led all scorers with 14 points. She netted nine while playing on the Blue team and another five while a member of the Gold team. Senior guard Shavonte Zellous scored only four, but yesterday morning was the first day she practiced since spraining her ankle on the first day of practice a little more than a week ago, said Berenato. The All-American candidate seemed fine as she played the entire game. Led by 22 points and 13 rebounds by DeJuan Blair, Gold came out victorious again in the men’s game, 63-54. The game consisted of two 16-minute halves. A couple of players making their Panther debuts also had productive days. Freshman Ashton Gibbs scored 12, Nasir Robinson scored 11, and junior Jermaine Dixon, who is in his first year at Pitt after transferring from Tallahassee Community College, netted 16. ‘We’ve got three seniors and one junior, and he’s a new guy,’ said Pitt coach Jamie Dixon. ‘We’re a very young team.’ Gibbs and Jermaine Dixon are expected to try to make up for the loss of Ronald Ramon’s outside shooting, and both showed they’re willing to take, and have the ability to make, the 3-pointer. Gibbs went two of three on 3-point attempts, and Dixon was three for five from beyond the arc. ‘I think we have some good shooters coming in,’ said Dixon. Seniors Tyrell Biggs and Sam Young also finished in double figures, with 13 and 14, respectively. Freshman Travon Woodall led all players with four assists, as well as five turnovers. A more mobile Gary McGhee scored eight to go with his seven rebounds and two blocks. The men’s first preseason game is Sunday at the Pete against Seton Hill at 4 p.m. The women open up their preseason against the Ohio Legends at home on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.