Panthers survive trip to Rutgers, 70-63

After an impressive victory against sixth-ranked Notre Dame last Monday, an easy win over an… After an impressive victory against sixth-ranked Notre Dame last Monday, an easy win over an unranked Rutgers team appeared promising for the Pitt men’s basketball team Sunday.

Things do not always go as planned, however, especially in the highly competitive Big East Conference. The Scarlet Knights came well prepared to play the Panthers, giving them quite a challenge.

There was no Oakland Zoo surrounding the court and no home court advantage, so the Panthers had their hands full on their first road trip of the season in Big East play.

Despite falling behind early, Pitt was able to leave the Lewis Brown Athletic Center with a 70-63 win. The Panthers improved to 12-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big East, while Rutgers fell to 8-5 and 0-1 in the conference.

The game began with a burst of energy from the Scarlet Knights, as they scored first and immediately attacked the Panthers with a full-court press. Pitt looked surprised and struggled at first to beat it.

Rutgers went on a quick 8-0 run and jumped out to a 10-2 lead with a basket from Jerome Coleman. The Panthers managed to keep their cool and stay patient, despite having seven turnovers in the opening nine minutes.

The momentum quickly shifted as Pittsburgh guard Brandin Knight heated up.

Knight, who finished with 17 points, hit two consecutive three-point baskets and Donatas Zavackas made a layup to give the Panthers an 8-0 run of their own.

The game was then tied and remained close for the remainder of the half. At halftime, the score was tied at 25.

Pitt star Julius Page came out in the second half on fire, helping the Panthers capture a 33-27 lead by hitting two three-pointers.

Rutgers center Kareem Wright had some tricks of his own, however, as he single-handedly went on a nine point run, giving the Scarlet Knights the lead for the first time since early in the first half.

Rutgers seemed to have the right things going for them as the game progressed. It gained and regained the lead several times and caused Pittsburgh to repeatedly turn the ball over.

Pitt finished the game with 23 turnovers and also got in some foul trouble, losing forward Ontario Lett with 4 1/2 minutes left by committing his fifth foul.

Luckily for the Panthers, the Scarlet Knights’ foul shooting was not too sharp, costing the team several points late in the game.

Pitt, on the other hand, which has been criticized all season for their poor free throw shooting, did the opposite.

Clutch shooting from the foul line helped the Panthers control the lead as time ticked away. Seven consecutive makes by Page, Zavackas and Chevon Troutman were an important factor in the Panther win.

“We worked hard on our foul shooting,” Pitt head coach Ben Howland said after the game. “This is an experienced, mentally tough team that knows how to win close games.”

Big East play continues for Pittsburgh this week, as they will travel to face rival West Virginia Tuesday evening.