What else to say about the game. Pitt absolutely decimated Buffalo 92-45.
“We didn’t know it was going to be that much of a blowout,” said senior guard Keith Benjamin, who scored a career-high 17 points and posted three of the Panthers’ 16 steals. “We just wanted to go after them.”
The 47-point margin was the Panthers’ biggest victory at the Petersen Events Center, eclipsing a 45-point victory over Norfolk State on Dec. 3, 2002. It was the third largest rout in the past 21 seasons, and equals the ninth-best in school history.
Pitt’s defense, which I noted after the St. Louis game, seemed to be more aggressive and gambling on steals really went after the Bulls.
The No. 17 Panthers (5-0) were trapping, jumping into passing lanes and tied a season-high with 16 steals. The aggressive approach led to 25 Buffalo turnovers and another blowout victory. Pitt has won its first five games by an average of 32 points per game. All but one of Pitt’s games has been decided by 27 or more points.
“We like to get after people,” said Pitt senior guard Keith Benjamin. “That’s what we want to do. We don’t want to lie back no more. We want to blitz ball screens like you saw tonight and trap them. We want to try to get every steal we can get our hands on and just be the aggressor and don’t lie back and wait for somebody to attack us.
“It’s definitely a new approach. We work every day on denying the pass. Coach says if you feel like you can get it, go for it. We’re just trying to be more aggressive. You see the teams that go far are the more aggressive teams. We’re still going to be more patient on defense, but if there are opportunities to take, we’re going to take it now.”
The Buffalo team, of course, was not even comparable to St. Louis in terms of coaching and player talent. That would explain part of why Pitt could be even more aggressive against Buffalo. Not to mention more practice and comfort with it.
It’s about adjusting the game with the players. The players want to play more up-tempo. Are more comfortable with a faster pace. Especially getting out on offense. Well to get those extra possessions they have to stop the opposing team on defense faster.
