Its not so easy to find what keeps a well-balanced team basketball team like Pitt performing at a high level night after night. Look a little closer, watch the reserves and you’ll have your answer.
The Pitt bench pumped in 30 points, including 12 from sharp-shooter Durand Johnson, and helped the Panthers cruise to a 85-68 victory over Loyola Marymount at the Peterson Events Center in Pittsburgh.
The reserves have been so consistent for Pitt this season its sometimes hard to notice the difference when they spell the starters. Each player on the Pitt bench who saw playing time scored tonight. They also added 15 boards, 9 assists and 4 blocks to give the Panthers the deciding difference in the game.
Loyola Marymount was led by guard Anthony Ireland who shot 7 for 17, including 5 for 6 from the line and scored 20 points. The Lions also had help from Evan Payne’s 15 points and 14 points from forward Gabe Levin.
Cameron Wright was effective at off-guard with 14 points, while Talib Zanna added 12 points, and Lamar Patterson and Michael Young each contributed 10 points for the Panthers in the win.
Pitt did cool at little at the foul line shooting 14 for 23 (61%) but it seemed to have little impact on the game’s final outcome.
Pitt now has a week off taking finals before their next game.
Next up: Youngstown State at Pitt, Sun (12/14) at 12 pm Noon EST.