Tuesday’s Morning Links:

Pitts Outlasts Syracuse At Home: The Panthers got out to a 19-0 run to start the game, but they soon let the Orangemen back in the game. While Pitt almost blew their early lead and home court advantage, they really dictated the pace of the game.Syracuse had a chance to take the game over at halftime, but could never crack the Panthers defense. While they kept it close for awhile Pitt pulled away as the game wound down for their 6th Big East victory. The 4th ranked Panthers will move up at least one spot in the rankings (assuming they handle DePaul later this week), and with another big win could look to move up to 2nd or even 1st.

UConn Squeaks By Villanova: The eighth ranked Huskies got a last second shot by their star Kemba Walker, to knockoff the seventh ranked Wildcats. It was a great battle between two elite Big East teams, but it was a game UConn desperately needed to win. The Huskies had already lost twice in the Big East, to Pitt and Notre Dame, and couldn’t afford a third loss this early in the season. It was a back and forth game from the opening tip, as each team had a little lead, but was unable to hold it.

Ohio State Takes Over The Top Spot: With Duke losing last week, and Ohio State remaining undefeated, they were the logical choice to ascend to the top spot in both polls. They received a vast majority of the first place votes in both polls, but will need to stay unbeaten if they hope to remain at the top. The Buckeyes will be facing a tough road ahead as 7 of their next 10 games are against currently ranked opponents. Four of those games are on the road, making it a very tough stretch that will demand perfection from the Buckeyes. Ohio State does arguably have the best player in the country in freshman Jared Sullinger, and a very good supporting cast around him. With that kind of talent they are the best team in the Big 10, and have the ability to win out during this 10 game run.