SB Nation Pittsburgh - Pitt vs. North Florida: Panthers look to extend winning streak against Ospreyshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48827/pitt-fv.png2012-12-08T22:43:57-05:00http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/rss/stream/35095372012-12-08T22:43:57-05:002012-12-08T22:43:57-05:00Pitt wins easily against North Florida, 89-47
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<p>Pitt continued its strong play since losing to Michigan a few weeks ago, winning their fifth straight game, 89-47 over North Florida. The win improved the team's record to 9-1 on the season.</p>
<p>The Panthers had plenty of offense in this one. Five players reached double figures and the bench scored 32 points, led by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100021/dante-taylor">Dante Taylor's</a> team-high 16 points. Plenty of Panthers starred, but probably none greater than senior point guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52465/tray-woodall">Tray Woodall</a>. Woodall had 14 points on 7-8 shooting, nine assists, two steals, and no turnovers.</p>
<p>Freshman center <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174977/steven-adams">Steven Adams</a> wasn't one of Pitt's players with double figures, but he did have his second strong game in a row. Adams had six points (on 3-4 shooting), a team-high seven rebounds, four blocks, and two steals in 24 minutes. That's a bit less than what he's used to playing due to the blowout, but he used those minutes efficiently and played well.</p>
<p>The weird stat of the game was definitely North Florida failing to record a free throw attempt. Even though they settled for a lot of jump shots, I can't remember the last time I saw that happen in a game. And considering the Panthers made 21 of their 25 attempts, that's just a huge advantage.</p>
<p>Pitt should have a good chance to jump into the top 25 rankings this week and with their next game not coming until next Saturday, should stay there if they can defeat Bethune Cookman.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/12/8/3745510/pitt-vs-north-florida-panthers-basketball-pittsburgh-jamie-dixon-ospreys-final-score-steven-adamsAnson Whaley2012-12-07T08:23:52-05:002012-12-07T08:23:52-05:00Pitt takes on North Florida on Saturday
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<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Panthers look for their fifth straight win against the Ospreys.</p> <p>Fresh off their blowout win against Duquesne in the City Game earlier this week, Pitt looks to extend its growing winning streak over North Florida on Saturday night at the Pete.</p>
<p>The Panthers are 8-1 and have now won four games in a row since the team's close loss to Michigan in Madison Square Garden a few weeks ago. Just as important is that Pitt hasn't let up since then, punishing opponents by winning by an average margin of 26 points a game.</p>
<p>Things shouldn't be much different when the Ospreys come to the Petersen Events Center this weekend. North Florida is an uninspiring 3-5 and their most impressive game of the season may have been an eight-point loss to 4-4 Florida State on the road.</p>
<p>Senior guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53305/parker-smith">Parker Smith</a> could give Pitt a bit of trouble, though. He's the team's leading scorer, averaging nearly 18 points a game he's averaged more than 20 per game over North Florida's last four contests. Even more impressive is that he's played well against the team's last two big games against Florida State and ranked Minnesota. Pitt has had some trouble with star guards and it's possible he has a big game.</p>
<p>Another thing to watch for is how the bench bounces back from its poor showing against Duquesne. The reserves combined for only eight points in that game on a dismal 3-of-19 shooting. Buoyed by upperclassmen <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124156/j-j-moore">J.J. Moore</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123328/trey-zeigler">Trey Zeigler</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100021/dante-taylor">Dante Taylor</a>, I expect it to get off to a good start.</p>
<p>The game starts at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN3.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/12/7/3738430/pitt-vs-north-florida-final-score-preview-pittsburgh-panthers-steven-adams-tray-woodallAnson Whaley