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Pitt Blair expected to play despite knee scare.

Pitt Blair expected to play despite knee scare.
Pitt center DeJuan Blair is expected to play Friday night when the No. 4 Panthers face Texas Tech in Newark, N.J.

Blair developed swelling in his right knee before sitting out Pitt’s 74-60 victory over Belmont on Tuesday night. An MRI and X-rays showed no damage.

Pitt coach Jamie Dixon was cautious because the 6-foot-7, 265-pound Blair had reconstructive surgery on both knees while playing at Pittsburgh’s Schenley High School.

Blair, a sophomore who is averaging 17.5 points and 13.3 rebounds, made the trip to New Jersey for two games in two nights. Pitt (5-0) plays either Washington State or Mississippi State on Saturday night.

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St. Peter’s tops LIU 69-59.

Nick Leon scored 21 points as St. Peter’s rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Long Island 69-59 Wednesday night.
Ryan Bacon added 18 points and a game-high 15 rebounds for the Peacocks (1-3).

St. Peter’s shot just 35 percent in the first half, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range. But the Peacocks exploded for 47 second-half points, hitting 5-of-9 tries from beyond the arc. Wesley Jenkins and Brandon Hall each hit two 3-pointers and Leon had one.

Jaytornah Wisseh led Long Island (1-3) with a game-high 25 points.