After struggling most of the game, Pitt finally found a way to defeat Rider in the end, pulling out an 86-78 win at home.
Rider shot incredibly well from the field hitting more than 53% of their shots. They also added ten three-pointers, shooting better than 43% there. Sophomore Anthony Myles, who had 20 points against Robert Morris, had another 20 in this game. Rider also got 18 from Daniel Stewart, 17 from Novar Gadson and 15 from Jeff Jones.
The thing that kept them in the game more than anything, though, was the fact that the Broncs had only four turnovers in the entire game. Taking care of the ball and shooting well is a recipe that will keep a team in a game against almost anyone, and Rider proved that today.
Pitt was able to keep them in check, though, winning the rebounding battle 39-17.
The backcourt tandem of Gibbs and Tray Woodall had 41 points and Woodall had another ten assists, as he did in the opener against Albany on Friday. Nasir Robinson was the player who stepped up his offensive game today, dropping 22 on Rider. Nas is undersized for a power forward, but he often is able to use that to his advantage and create mismatches on offense. And as we’ve seen at times last year, he is capable of scoring a bit more in games like today when Pitt needs it.
The Panthers’ next game is against Long Beach State on Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. For more on Pitt basketball, check out SB Nation blog Cardiac Hill.