NEW YORK CITY – A quick look at the numbers in Pitt’s 79-70 victory over Maryland last night at Madison Square Garden. The Panthers have the “grind it out” image, which is more generated on their aggressive defensive style that concedes no easy possessions. Offensively, the Panthers will break if the opportunity arises. In half court they will attack the basket or get a good early look, again if the chance is there.
Possessions: 73
Not recklessly up-and-down but a quicker than normal pace that both teams seemed comfortable with.
Offensive Efficiency (points per possession times 100)
Pitt 108
Maryland 96
Pitt was very efficient and proficient on the offensive end. Defensively, they did a solid job against a team that presented several offensive weapons, as senior swingman Cliff Tucker (17 points) and 6-10 Jordan Williams (14 points 8 rebounds).
The Four Factors:
eFG PCT
Pitt 49%
Maryland 50%
FT Rate
Pitt 48%
Pitt 25%
Maryland got to the line but didn’t take advantage, going 0-7 the first half and 14 of 30 for the game.
OREB PCT
Pitt 41%
Maryland 18%
This is an area of concern for Maryland coach Gary Williams. His worries became reality as the Panthers owned the glass. Freshman forward Talib Zanna (12 boards) was especially active.
TO Rate
Pitt 22%
Maryland 12%
Jamie Dixon’s club was a bit over the limit here (20 percent or more of your possessions ending in turnovers is considered too high). Maryland cared for the ball very well, a factor that allowed them to hang around until the end despite the 49-28 rebounding disparity enjoyed by Pitt.
Final note: The Panthers showed great balance with five players, paced by Zanna with 14, scoring in double figures.
Final Note A:
Using the player efficiency model devised by Martin Manley, the performance by Zanna was outstanding. The metric adds points, FGM, FTM, rebounds, steals, blocks and assists while subtracting all missed shots and turnovers. The numbers for the 6-9 forward:
Efficiency 23
Minutes 23
Eff/MIN 1.000
That last figure, efficiency divided by minutes, of 1.000 is a performance of All-American or at least all-conference first team caliber.
Notes
- As the officials came on the floor prior to the Pitt-Maryland game it was great to see a very familiar face. Brian Dorsey, a New Jersey native, was working his first game at the “world’s most famous arena”. Brian is a good officiating friend and I got to know and work with him since he broke in during the 90s. Brian and I have worked CYO, AAU and have even officiated soccer together. He has ascended the ranks from high school JV to varsity to Division III and finally Division I.
- Through it all, he has remained the same, friendly, humble and a devout sports fan (especially regarding the Yankees). Brian’s personality serves him well on the floor. He takes care of business when he has to with coaches and players. On the other hand, he is good in listening and establishing a dialogue. Something coaches admire in an official.
- For Brian there will be other trips to MSG. Still, nothing like your first time on the Garden floor. And it was a pleasure for yours truly to see him out there.
