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Thabeet, UConn host Blair, Pittsburgh in Big East tilt

Feb 16, 2009 - 2:40 PM No. 4 Pittsburgh (23-2) at No. 1 Connecticut (24-1), 7:00 p.m. EST

HARTFORD, Connecticut (Ticker) -- Hasheem Thabeet has been nothing short of dominant since Connecticut claimed the No. 1 ranking.

Thabeet and top-ranked Connecticut shoot for their 14th consecutive victory Monday night when they host fourth-ranked Pittsburgh at the XL Center.

The Huskies (24-1, 12-1 Big East), who have not lost since dropping their conference opener to Georgetown on December 29, have been carried by Thabeet over the past five games.

With guard Jerome Dyson likely sidelined for the season with a torn meniscus, the 7-3 junior center had the best game of his career in Saturday's 62-54 victory over Seton Hall.

Thabeet recorded 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine blocks in the win and is averaging 15.8 points, 14.0 boards and 7.2 blocks over his last five games - four of which came with the Huskies ranked No. 1.

Connecticut's big man will face one of the most physical players in the nation as DaJuan Blair brings Pittsburgh (23-2, 10-2) in on a five-game winning streak. The sophomore center is averaging 15.4 points and 12.3 rebounds this season.

The Panthers have won all five of their games by double digits during their current winning streak, including Saturday's 85-69 triumph over Cincinnati. Sam Young scored 18 points, Blair had 17 and Levance Fields added 11 and 13 assists.

Connecticut won the lone meeting, 60-53, last season. The rivals meet again in Pittsburgh on March 7 in the regular-season finale for both teams.