Pitt didn’t play its best game, but was still able to defeat Duquesne fairly easy in the 2010 City Game, 80-66.
The Panthers got off to a slow start and the game’s early minutes set somewhat of a tone how Pitt would play. The team had two turnovers and at the 18:29 mark, down 6-0, Pitt was forced to call a rare early game timeout. Even though the Panthers would settle down and play much better, they never shook the turnover bug, finishing with 19. Pitt also committed 24 fouls during the game.
One big reason the Panthers were able to win the game was, you guessed it, rebounding. Pitt outclassed the Dukes on the boards in a big way, 53 to 29. Combine that with Duquesne’s horrible shooting night (36% from the field, 32% from three-point range, and 38% from the free throw line), despite Pitt’s turnovers, the team was able to come away with a pretty good win.
Ashton Gibbs led the team in scoring with 22, but it was Gary McGhee who was the team’s MVP. He had arguably the best game of his career, tying a career-best with 12 points and establishing a new high of 13 rebounds. He also tied a school record with seven blocks. This was hopefully the breakout game that McGhee needed to get on track a bit.
On the losing side, Duquesne’s stars didn’t disappoint. Damian Saunders had a monster 20 point / 11 rebound effort and Bill Clark also added 20 and shot 5-10 on three-pointers. Freshman guard T.J. McConnell also showed he’s a player, and looked really comfortable all game long. He scored 14 points and added five rebounds and five steals.
For more post-game analysis, check out Pitt blog, Cardiac Hill.