(South Bend, Indiana-AP) -- Notre Dame wasn't worried about Pittsburgh forward Ontario Lett the last time the Irish played the Panthers -- he wasn't even a starter.

But Lett regained his starting position by dominating inside as the Number Four Panthers easily beat the Number Ten Irish 72-to-55 a month ago -- Notre Dame's worst loss in three seasons under coach Mike Brey.

Lett scored 20 points and had eight rebounds in that victory, and has played well since. That is why Brey is plenty worried about Lett heading into Sunday's game against Pitt.

Brey says that Lett "sneaks up on you a little bit" and that the Irish will have to adjust.

Pitt is now 16-and-two and six-and-one in the Big East.

Lett has started all seven Big East games since coach Ben Howland made him a surprise starter January 6th against the Irish. Lett is averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds a game in the Big East and is making 75 percent of his shots.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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