If the first game was any indication of how Pitt intends to play in the CBI Tournament, then the Panthers will be a tough out. In defeating Wofford by 18 points at home, Pitt played one of its most complete games of the season.
The key on offense was a balanced attack. Five players scored at least a dozen points and Pitt shot a healthy 55 percent from the field. Even though the Panthers only got to the line for an astonishingly low three free throw attempts, Pitt didn’t need more than that.
The team was also red hot from long distance hitting 14 of 25 three-pointers on the night. Gibbs and Woodall combined for eight and Pitt actually shot better there (56 percent) than it did from the field.
But offensive fireworks aside, a big reason the team was so efficient was because it took care of the ball. The Panthers’ six turnovers on the game was one of their lowest totals all season. They’ve had trouble in that area all season and that contributed to their woes.
All in all, it was a nearly perfect effort. But the competition will get ratcheted up a notch when Pitt takes on Princeton in the next game. The Tigers are 20-11 on the season and had some nice wins, beating Florida State, Rutgers, and a ranked Harvard team all on the road. Pitt will have its hands full with a pretty solid team. Throw in Pitt’s wild inconsistencies and there’s no way of knowing which team will show up in their next game.
For more on the CBI Tournament and Pitt basketball, check out SB Nation blog, Cardiac Hill.