Only 2 seasons removed from the disastrous 2011-12 season, Pitt is still looking to reclaim its place in the top 25. On a night where college football crowned its champion, the Panthers won its first ever ACC home basketball game over Maryland in convincing fashion, 79-59, at the Peterson Events Center in Pittsburgh.
Maryland, playing in its final ACC season, hadn’t played in Pittsburgh since 1981 and came into the ballgame sporting a 10-5 record. Led by reserve guard Seth Allen’s 18 points, the Terrapins kept the game close throughout the first half and only trailed Pitt 36-30 at the half.
The Terrapins also received solid minutes from forward Eric Smotrycz, who scored 14 points on 4-11 shooting from the floor and a perfect 2-2 from the line.
But the Panthers simply worn the Terrapins down and like the NC State game two days ago, came out on fire in the second half and took control of the game.
Maryland native and reserve small forward Durand Johnson hurt his home state team with 17 points on 6-8 shooting, 2 steals, 1 block and 3-4 from beyond the arc.
As usual, Lamar Patterson led all scorers with 19 points on 8-12 shooting. He also provided tremendous help defense and helped Pitt to shut down Maryland’s guards Dez Wells (5 points), Jake Layman (3 points) and Roddy Peters (4 points).
At 14-1 and 2-0 in the ACC, Pitt still hasn’t fully repaired its reputation with pollsters after finishing 22-17 in the 2011-12 and 24-9 last season that resulted in a first-round NCAA tourney exit by Wichita State.
The unranked Panthers will now wait till Sat, 1/11 for a 12pm tipoff at home against Wake Forest.