Pitt, West Virginia to renew basketball "Backyard Brawl" rivalry in 2017

Pittsburgh and West Virginia announced Thursday that the regional rivalry between the two schools long known as the ''Backyard Brawl'' will resume in 2017, when the men's basketball teams begin a four-year series.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The basketball version of the "Backyard Brawl" is back.

Pittsburgh and West Virginia announced Thursday that the regional rivalry between the two schools long known as the ''Backyard Brawl'' will resume in 2017, when the men's basketball teams begin a four-year series. The Panthers will host the Mountaineers in 2017 and 2019, with West Virginia welcoming Pitt in 2018 and 2020.

The two teams met regularly between 1906 and 2012, with West Virginia holding a 96–88 advantage in the series. The rivalry was temporarily abandoned after Pitt left the Big East for the ACC and West Virginia joined the Big 12.

Pitt coach Kevin Stallings says it's "important" for the "Backyard Brawl" to be renewed, pointing to interest level among the fan bases of both programs.