Pitt had no real problem with Coppin State. Pitt let them hang around for a while in the second half, and that wasn’t unexpected. In the end, though, Pitt put them away with a solid game and gave everyone a chance to play. Marcus Bowman hit his first basket of the year at the end of the game.

Pitt took advantage of the smallish and slender Eagles on the inside, with efficient performances from 7-foot center Aaron Gray and 6-10 power forward Levon Kendall.

Gray had 14 points and seven rebounds; Kendall 11 points and five rebounds. It was the third consecutive game Kendall has reached double figures after not doing so in the first six games.

Gray scored nine of Pitt’s first 14 points to give the Panthers an early double-digit lead. Coach Jamie Dixon said it was important to establish the inside early because Coppin State predominantly played a zone and wanted Pitt to shoot 3-pointers.

“We really did talk about getting it inside,” Dixon said. “Carl made two great passes to open the game to Aaron. Then John [DeGroat] got an open three off an inside touch.”

Krauser did not have his typical scoring game but played one of his most complete and unselfish games this season. He finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals and 1 turnover. He was 4 for 9 from 3-point range.

Ronald Ramon also added 10 points to give Pitt 4 players with double-digit scoring. Sam Young added 9 and Levance Fields had 8 points.

Coppin State’s Coach Fang Mitchell was once again asked to talk about the 1997 NCAA Tournament game in Pittsburgh where his team upset #2 seeded South Carolina in the first round. Probably an easier topic then discussing how his team is now off to an 0-9 start.