PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – While one rivalry is dormant if not dead, another keeps going. Pitt and West Virginia announced an extension of the Backyard Brawl in basketball for four more seasons.
"The Backyard Brawl game is one of the most anticipated matchups on the schedule each year for the two fan bases," said head coach Jeff Capel in a release by the University of Pittsburgh. "These kinds of games are what makes college athletics so special. We are excited to extend the series and look forward to four more matchups that will have both fan bases eagerly awaiting the day tickets go on sale."
"The Backyard Brawl is great for both schools, the fanbases and especially for college basketball," Interim Head Coach Josh Eilert said in a release by West Virginia University. "I have been at WVU for 17 of these games, and without question, they are our biggest rival. For the last six years, it's been one of the highlights of our nonconference schedule and will certainly be for the next four years. I would like to thank Wren Baker, our administration and Pitt for extending the Backyard Brawl."
Pitt won the meeting this season 80-63 in Morgantown as Blake Hinson set a school record with nine three-pointers. WVU had won the previous six straight games. All-time, the Mountaineers lead the series 103-89.
The series had a brief hiatus for five seasons after the pair were no longer in the same conference, but resumed in 2017. The first game was February 20, 1904 with West Virginia winning 15-12.
Classic matchups since 2000
· Oscar Tshiebwe with 20 points and 17 rebounds in 2019 WVU win
· Pitt improved to 22-2 with 71-66 win at WVU in 2011
· Panthers 98-95 3-OT win in 2010
· WVU 74-60 upset of Pitt in the Big East Tournament in 2009
· Ronald Ramon's buzzer-beating three for a 55-54 Pitt win in 2008
· Freshman Sam Young's double-double to beat 19th ranked WVU 68-57 in the 2006 Big East Tournament
· Tim Lyles layup gave WVU a 69-68 win over Pitt in Morgantown in 2001
