Pitt vs. Fordham: Panthers face Rams on Monday night

After a Friday night win in the team's season-opening game against Mount St. Mary's, Pitt gets another home game, playing Fordham at the Pete on Monday. The game is part of the NIT Tip-Off, an early season tournament.

Fordham dropped their opening game against Texas State, 86-76. But even though the Panthers will be heavy favorites in this one, the team should be wary of Fordham's star player - senior forward Chris Gaston. Gaston has put together four of the best seasons in school history and ranks No. 11 on Fordham's all-time scoring list and No. 6 on the rebounding list. In his debut this year against Texas State, he had 19 points, 14 rebounds, and two steals - leading the team in all three categories.

Whoever draws the assignment to guard the 6'7 forward will have his hands full, to say the least.

One thing to look for on Pitt's side of things is how Lamar Patterson bounces back. Patterson was arguably the Panthers' best offensive player down the stretch last year and was expected to have a big season. In their opening game, he was content to sit in the background and was held scoreless on only two shot attempts. Pitt may not need him to do much in many of their non-conference games, but they surely will once the Big East season arrives.

This Pitt team still has many unknowns, but look for it to win fairly easily on Monday.