PITTSBURGH — At the midway point of the Big East season, Pittsburgh seemed poised to run away with the Big East's regular-season title.

But in a matter of two weeks, things deteriorated and the conference crown looked out of reach for the Panthers.

Now, No. 12 Pittsburgh is within reach of at least a piece of the conference title — again.

If Pitt (25-5, 12-3) beats No. 20 Marquette (22-8, 9-6) Saturday night, the Panthers are assured of at least a share of the conference title for the sixth time. A loss, and the Panthers are runners-up.

"We know where we stand," coach Jamie Dixon said. "Every game in the Big East is about winning a Big East championship, and that's always been our goal."

Pitt is searching for its sixth league title and first since winning three in a row from 2002-04.

The Panthers have played in the Big East tournament's championship game in five of the past six seasons, winning the 2003 title. Saturday's game is like a championship game for a regular season. The Panthers are tied atop the conference standings with Georgetown, and a game ahead of Louisville.

When Pitt was 10-1 in the conference on Feb. 11, it had already beaten Georgetown and held a one-game lead on the Hoyas and at least a two-game edge on any other challenger. But losses in two of the next three conference games — including at Georgetown Feb. 24 — left the Panthers in second place. Then, Georgetown lost to Syracuse last Monday, leaving the door open for at least a tie at the end of the regular season. The No. 9 Hoyas (22-6, 12-3) host Connecticut at noon Saturday.

Pitt also can fall to the conference's No. 3 seed if it loses and Louisville wins on Sunday against Seton Hall. The Big East tournament begins Wednesday in New York.

With all the success the Panthers have had this decade in both regular season and postseason conference play, Dixon was asked which title would mean more.

"If anyone sits down and is honest about it, 16 games as compared to a three-game set, it shows more over 16 games and I think that's the real reflection of the hard work and commitment it takes in getting things done over a long period of time," Dixon said. "But talk to me when we're preparing for the Big East tournament and it'll probably be a diffident answer."

Pitt wants both, and that starts with the regular-season title.