There are games where one player dominates and changes the game. There are others where a team plays so far over its head, or a team plays so far underwater. This was not anything like those games. This was a game where a team played a simple game of using its strengths to exploit the weaknesses of the opponent.

Pitt is blessed with outstanding depth at virtually all positions. Seton Hall not so much, and even less in the front court. That quickly became an area Pitt targeted in a relatively easy rout of Seton Hall, 74-53.

The Pirates have a frontline of Herb Pope and Jeff Robinson and that’s about it. The one other guy that tries to spell both is a true freshman. That means a relatively undersized frontcourt can’t play aggressively for fear of picking up too many fouls. Pitt’s game plan was to take advantage of this by going inside, often.

Gary McGhee had an easy double-double in only 21 minutes with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Nasir Robinson had 8 points, Dante Taylor had 7 points and 5 boards and Talib Zanna had fun with 10 points and 4 rebounds in only 13 minutes. 38 out of Pitt’s 74 points from the front court. Balanced. Yes. But Pitt has been relying on the guards and wings to do most of the scoring. This was a change-up and the team had no problem adjusting to the game plan.

That Pitt’s front court dominated was a good thing since Pitt’s 3-point shooting had a rare off-night. Gibbs struggled. Brown had issues. Travon Woodall, of the .300 shooting from outside decided to go 2-2 to keep things confusing.

Pitt was never in danger in this game. Unlike Ohio State, Duke, Syracuse, Kansas, Villanova, Louisville, Michigan St. and Tennessee. All teams that struggled badly in the first half and in many cases thoughout the second half before getting the win. Pitt didn’t shoot great, but controlled the rebounding and slowly, steadily pounded the Pirates into submission.

A nice enough win, setting up a huge Monday night game with the ‘Cuse.