Pitt (and Jamie Dixon) No. 1 in basketball poll; Bruins No. 10

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Pennsylvania has had some ups and down in the past week. The Eagles (a definite up) and Penn State football team (not so up). But look which school is at the top of the college basketball poll today. And, no, it’s not UCLA (the Bruins are No. 10).

It is Pittsburgh, making it the first time in the history of the school that its basketball team has been ranked No. 1.

The Panthers benefited from No. 2 Connecticut falling to Georgetown a week ago and (now-former) No. 1 North Carolina losing to Boston College on Sunday. But Pittsburgh also helped itself by beating Georgetown Saturday, 70-54. The Panthers are coached by L.A. native Jamie Dixon (pictured here during Saturday’s game), who starred way back when at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.

Meanwhile, UCLA pulled out a victory over Oregon on Sunday and USC, like its football team, lost to Oregon State. But at least the Trojans nearly won the game, losing in the final minutes of overtime, 62-58.

-- Debbie Goffa