The success continued for the #1 Pitt Panthers (16-0). Past the halfway point of the season and the Panthers are still undefeated... Remarkable!
But just like the St. John's game this past Sunday, Pitt started off slow. People are getting worried about these slow starts and wondering how we play against the elite of the Big East(nothing against South Florida, they put up hell of a fight). But hey, it's the BIG EAST! What else do you expect in conference play?
In the first half, a couple of strong defensive stands with a shot clock violation twice against the Bulls and some nice baskets put Pitt ahead early with a 7-0 lead. But then the defense started to unravel and offense sputtered a bit. The Bulls shot over 50% from the field in the first half, unacceptable. Still, even against a below average opponent, Pitt was winning 41-37 at the half. This lead was largely in part to Tyrell Biggs' huge first half, where he scored in double figures, and LeVance Fields' shot clock beater from beyond the NBA three point line just before halftime.
In the second half, Pitt started off strong with another 7-0 run but then cooled off to a 47-44 lead. The turning point in the game, or at least what put the game out of reach, was the the three pointer made by Brad Wannamaker to make it 55-44. This was the first double digit lead of the game for Pitt, and they never looked back. Blair was dominate in the paint as usual.
Grades:
Offense --> A-
Pitt executed very well on offense. The offense produced opened threes (10-18) and quality shots the whole game. Pitt hit 48% of its shots, and if they didn't fall the rebounds were eaten up on the offensive glass by Blair and Young.
Defense --> B-
The Panthers' defense played mediocre allowing the Bulls to shoot 47%, while the Bulls as a team shot 41% from the field per game before Wednesday. Augustus Gilchrist, yes I said AUGUSTUS GILCHRIST, killed us. Mainly the first half, he made mid-range jumper after mid-range jumper. But other than Gilchrist, Pitt's defense played well, contesting every shot.
Jamie Dixon --> A-
Dixon did a very good job of substituting with Sam Young and Jermaine Dixon getting into foul trouble early in the second half. But calling the timeouts after Pitt made some baskets trying to get on a run in the second half was questionable. The use of only seven players was proof that South Florida was no team to take it easy on.
Crowd/Fans --> B
The crowd was pretty impressive considering how bad the weather was outside. But still the Oakland Zoo and the crowd that was there did not show the enthusiasm needed to have a distinct home court advantage in the Big East.
Starters:
LeVance Fields --> A+
Fields had a perfect game. He managed the team exceptionally well and as usual and he had a ridiculous assist to turnover ratio (13-1). Those 13 assists were his career high. LeVance hit key shots, including one at the end of first half to keep the lead for Pitt and at the beginning of the second half to extend the Panthers lead.
Jermaine Dixon --> C
Dixon did a decent job on Dominique Jones, who is the Bulls leading scorer with 17 points per game, in the first half. But during the second half he couldn't stay in front of Jones without fouling. As a result he was in early foul trouble and earned himself a quick trip to the bench. On offense he was solid, cutting to the basket and taking a small amount of threes.
Sam Young --> B-
Young had a mediocre game and still put up double digit points (14). Young was on fire from beyond the arc, hitting 3 of 6 attempts. But as far as his offensive within the three point line, there was none to be found. Young hit only 1-8 two point field goals, and most of those shots were him trying to force the issue. Sam just needs to let the game come to him and he will have even more success.
Tyrell Biggs --> A-
Biggs played an almost perfect game. He was 7-10 from the field and kept the Panthers in the lead during the first half. Tyrell's jump shot was on, along with his cuts and offensive rebounding. His offensive game was flawless, but on defense he was a little suspect, giving Augustus Gilchrist open shots, allowing him to score 22 points.
DeJuan Blair --> A
Blair played BIG again in the paint, ripping down 18 rebounds including 9 offensive boards. Even if Pitt doesn't play through him in their offensive sets, Blair still can create his offense with his offensive rebounds. DeJuan finished with 13 points, all from in the paint.
Bench:
Gilbert Brown --> B
Brown had a solid game. He played good defense as usual, but on offense he struggled with his confidence to shoot the basketball. Nonetheless, he played 26 minutes which is six more minutes than he is averaging.
Brad Wannamaker --> A-
We have seen Wannamaker develop this season into one of our most consistent players night in and night out. He showed it again Wednesday night, coming through with eight big points in 26 minutes. The biggest points came from the three he hit to give the Panthers their first double digit lead of the game, and we never looked back.
Gary McGee --> C
He only played five minutes and played ok in that time. He recorded two points on a three point play in which he missed the free throw. Another time he was fouled and missed two more free throws.
Ashton Gibbs --> B
Gibbs only played three minutes to spell Fields for a little. He recorded an assist and a solid performance.
Next Game:
#1 Pitt @ #20 Louisville
Saturday January 17th, 6:00 pm
Freedom Hall
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