Pitt wins the season opener up in New York, 86-67 over Western Michigan.
Aaron Gray had 10 points and 13 rebounds to lead No. 4 Pittsburgh to an 86-67 victory over Western Michigan on Sunday in the inaugural Maggie Dixon Classic. Mike Cook, a transfer from East Carolina making his debut with the Panthers after sitting out last season, was 7-for-11 from the field and had 17 points to lead five scorers in double figures.
Pitt shot over 50% and had the significant rebounding advantage you would expect.
Thanks to all who commented with observations on the game. Also a chance to point out a new Pitt Hoops blog (and it’s in the BE blogroll) being done by Dennis — who has some thoughts on the game. Welcome and glad to have more Pitt blogs.
4) Listening to Coach up front and personal was a study in basics: To Young who was called for travelling after gathering in a long pass : “CATCH THE BALL!” To a Pitt player who fouled a WM guy under their own basket with no prayer for a decent shot: “LET HIM GO!” And much fatherly attention to Doyle Hudson, who played a lot, but seemed out of sinc.
Coach gave an impassioned tribute between games. I met coach’s other sister and two kids from CA, very nice family.
All in all, a great way to start the season. Sort of like shiva is finally over, if you know what I mean.
(notice I say “we” (hoops) as oppsed to “they” (fb)….
Some interesting remarks about Krauser from Katz and Western Michigan head coach Steve Hawkins and a comparison to the 2004-05 Illinois squad thrown in for good measure.
A bit early for all that, but something to be excited about nonetheless.
What a performance.
I have to say I was impressed by everyone yesterday, but how about Biggs? Guy has lost his baby fat, looks in great physical shape, and nailed about 4+ 15 foot jump shots yesterday.
WOW!!!
Ramon looked like a Hispanic JJ Redick on the floor, Cook is a top notch scorer, Gray dominates on both ends of the court, and Fields is an exceptional passer and floor general.
I know it is only one game, but the guys seemed more confident to shoot knowing that they would see the ball again if they missed. I liked Krauser, but I think guys were hesitant to pull the trigger the past few years knowing if they missed 1 or 2, they were not seeing the ball again.
I loved the defense, confidence, and offense production from this team.
We are in for a SPECIAL YEAR!!!!
1) WE CAN HIT OUR PERIMETER SHOTS!! This is a HUGE departure from the past 5 years when the first option was to take the shot from the paint (the second, either Krauser takes a perimeter shot or goes on one of his magical mystical tours)
2) FIELDS IS A WONDERFUL FLOOR GENERAL!! Always looks to find the open man first and usually does.
This is not taking anything away from Ramon, who played a great game as well.
3) GRAY WAS MASSACRED BY 3 COLLAPSING DEFENDERS ALL DAY. 3 Davids whacking at one Goliath.
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