For the first time since 2005, Pitt and Penn State renewed their rivalry on the hardwood. The battle for Pennsylvania was physical, slow and painful to watch, but Pitt prevailed 78-69 over Penn State in Day 1 of the annual Big 10 / ACC challenge at the Peterson Events Center in Pittsburgh.
Penn State (6-3) started off hot. Led by guard Tim Frazier, who pumped in 29 points on the night, Penn State employed strong man-to-man defense and high percentage shooting to lead the Panthers 30-28 at half. Frazier received help from fellow guard DJ Newbill who added 18 points on 5 for 13 shooting and 6 for 8 from the line.
Pitt (8-0) was ice cold in the first half, shooting just 25% from the field. However, the Panthers took control of the game in the 2nd half and were paced by Talib Zanna (who only scored a bucket at half) with his first double-double on the year with 16 points on 7 for 11 shooting, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks. He had help from winger Lamar Patterson, who pumped in 16 points of his own and made 3 of his 4 free throws.
Both teams shot very well from the line. Penn State was 19 for 23 (83%) while Pitt was 28 for 35 (80%) from the charity stripe.
With the win, Pitt has now won 6 straight over Penn State but the Nittany Lions still lead the overall series 75-71.