When coach Ben Howland came to Pitt in 1999, he instituted competitive, physical practices that were designed to condition the Panthers to the rugged style of Big East Conference basketball and the manner in which he wanted his teams to play. In time, Howland's practice plan transformed the Panthers from Big East bottom-feeders into Big East bullies.

Those ultra-competitive practices were the foundation for building Pitt into a Big East powerhouse. When Jamie Dixon took over for Howland in 2004 he continued to put the Panthers through workouts that often resulted in bloodied noses and bruised bodies.

Take a peek inside a Dixon practice these days and you'll see more running than bumping, more shooting than shoving.

With three scholarship players injured, Dixon has readjusted his practice schedule in hopes of preserving his players for the rest of the season while avoiding further injuries. Starting small forward Mike Cook and reserve forward Austin Wallace are out for the season with knee injuries. Starting point guard Levance Fields is out for another six weeks or so with a fractured bone in his left foot.

"We really came together and said we have to get better in certain areas. What can we do?" Dixon said. "We're not going to be able to practice. We have fewer guys. We have no excuses. We have no limitations on this group."

With reserve center Cassin Diggs out indefinitely with a groin injury, Dixon is down to eight healthy scholarship players. As a result, Dixon is stressing more conditioning in practice and more individual skill work as a way of preparing his team for games. It also means more mental preparation than physical preparation.

The new approach has been positive for the Panthers, who have responded with three consecutive Big East victories after a disappointing conference opener Jan. 6 at Villanova. The Panthers upset No. 5 Georgetown, 69-60, Monday night and were one of five teams tied for the conference lead with 3-1 records.

Dixon's starting five all played more than 30 minutes against Georgetown. That is the reason Dixon is doing extra conditioning in practices. His five starters likely will log the majority of playing time in close games.

"It's been about preparation, about our practices," Dixon said.

"We get things done, even though we're not able to go five-on-five. We're still getting better and improving. Our guys are working with great focus and great intensity."

Continuity with the offense was the biggest concern when Cook and Fields left the lineup, but the Panthers are just as proficient without them. They are averaging 73.7 points per game and shooting 47.3 percent from the field in four Big East games. They averaged 79.7 points per game and shot 47.1 percent from the field through the 13-game non-conference schedule. Many of those games were against lower level Division I teams.

The biggest difference in the offense has been the improved 3-point shooting. The Panthers were among the worst 3-point shooting teams in the Big East entering conference play, but they have been by far the best 3-point shooting team through four conference games.

The Panthers are shooting 47 percent (30 for 64) from 3-point range in conference play. The next best team is Marquette at 39 percent.

Since moving from shooting guard to point guard Ronald Ramon has made 14 of 24 shots from 3-point range. Since entering the starting lineup at shooting guard, Keith Benjamin has made 13 of 25 3-point attempts.

Dixon said the improved shooting is a result of his players taking better shots.

"You don't see those guys taking bad shots," Dixon said. "We have very good passers. We have to keep using our passing ability. We talk about recruiting great passers, guys who know when to make the extra pass. We have guys who know what a good shot is and what a bad shot it is. We want to get a good shot to a great shot. That's what we emphasize."