The Pitt Panthers basketball team opened the 2013-14 season in typical fashion- with a route of a smaller school.
Thanks to an early 15-0 run that gave the Panthers a 19-2 lead just a few minutes into the game, the Panthers cruise to an 88-55 victory at the Petersen Events Center.
Pitt got whatever they wanted at the rim early on, sharing the ball, playing typical unselfish Panthers basketball, converted layup after layup en route to building a 40-13 halftime lead.
“It starts with Lamar (Patterson),” said Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon. “He a leader and he is very unselfish. We got a lot of open looks and moved the ball very well as a team.”
The Panthers were efficient from the floor, shooting 55.6 percent while seven different Pitt players found their way onto the score sheet in the game’s first 20 minutes.
“We had a nice stretch in the first half,” said Dixon. “We got off to a good start. Overall it was a good performance offensively. We settled for shots for a short stretch in the second half, but we move the ball well as a team and have some good passers. We got some layups and good looks for most of the night.”
While the offense got off to a good start, so did the Panthers’ defense, limiting the Tigers to only four made field goals in the first half on 23 attempts (17.4 percent), while outrebounding Savannah State 22-11.
The second half saw more of the same as after a little bit of a slow start, the Panthers exerted their dominance at both ends of the floor.
A year after losing five of their top eight guys in terms of minutes played, holdovers James Robinson (13), Cameron Wright (10), Lamar Patterson (11) and Durand Johnson (12) paced the Pitt attack as six different Pitt players finished in double figures on the night.
Several Pitt newcomers turned in impressive debuts, led by Rutgers transfer Derrick Randall, who got the start at the last minute. Randall finished with a double-double, scoring 12 points while grabbing 12 rebounds, nine of which were offensive boards.
“I just tried to be aggressive and make some hustle plays,” said Randall. “I want to show people I can play.”
Freshman guard Josh Newkirk was particularly impressive, using his quickness to get into the paint with ease, while knocking down all three of his three-point attempts on the night to finish with 11 points while dishing out four assists.
“It was nice to finally get out on the floor and help the team,” said Newkirk. “I have been in the gym working on my jump shot and it was nice to get some opportunities.”
Freshman Michael Young also looked impressive at times, chipping in nine points and eight rebounds.
Savannah State didn’t prove to be much of a test for the Panthers, but Dixon’s squad got off to a nice start nonetheless.
“We have to learn from our mistakes,” said Dixon. “I wasn’t happy with some of the turnovers and some mistakes along the way, but overall it was a nice performance.”
Pitt will be back in action on Tuesday when they play host to Fresno State.
Notes: Pitt was without senior Talib Zanna, who was suspended one game for violating team rules…Dixon used a starting lineup of Robinson, Wright, Patterson, Randall and Young….The Panthers held a 47-28 edge on the glass and dished out 16 assists on 26 made baskets. Patterson led all players with seven assists…Pitt shot 50 percent from the floor (26-for-52), 46.7 percent from behind the arc (7-for-15) and 76.3 percent from the free-throw line (29-for-38)
Photo Credit: Associated Press
