Pitt has not had many dominate performances this season but they managed to turn in one tonight in front of 10, 249 fans . The win was #200 in the history of the Pete and gives Pitt a 200-27 all time record at their home venue. The Panthers controlled the game from start to finish and easily handled Florida Gulf Coast. The Panthers improve to 10-3 on the season as they are set to open ACC play Saturday against North Carolina State. Florida Gulf Coast drops to 9-4 on the season.
James Robinson (12), Michael Young (16), and Cameron Wright (15) all scored in double figures to pace the Panthers. Josh Newkirk, who was pretty bad on both ends of the court in the first half, scored all 7 of his points in the second half. The Panthers shot 54.2% as a team. At one point early in the second half Pitt made nine consecutive FG’s.
Defensively the Panthers gave up some highlight reel dunks to “Dunk City” but managed to do a great job forcing turnovers. Pitt held FGCU’s Brett Comer to 5 assist and 6 turnovers. Impressive given that he came into tonight as the active NCAA leader in assist. Pitt did allow the Eagles to shoot 46% but the 16 forced turnovers helped the Panthers to control the game. The Panthers did give up some penetration at times, but for the most part played aggressive and swarming defense. They even managed to triple team a ball in the post during one play that ultimately ended with a score and a foul as the ball somehow found it’s way to the net.
Sheldon Jeter gave the Panthers some quality minutes off the bench tonight and looked better on the defensive side of the court where he has struggled this year. Jamel Artis, who scored 11 points total in the three Pitt loses this year, contributed 9 points.
Pitt will begin ACC conference play on Saturday in Raleigh. NC State lost today at home to Cincinnati by a score of 76-60. Pitt has 5 winnable games to start conference play before they travel to Duke to play the #2 ranked Blue Devils.