Pitt explodes in second half to blow out Delaware State

It wasn't a complete game, but Pitt's second half was good enough to blow out Delaware State 71-43 on 61% shooting tonight at the Petersen Event Center.

Talib Zanna had his way inside to the tune of 20 points and nine rebounds playing both power forward and backup center in lieu of an banged up Dante Taylor. But Pitt didn't need Taylor inside tonight, as J.J. Moore and Steven Adams combined for 25 points and and eleven rebounds. Pitt outscored Delaware state under the basket 48-18.

But Pitt's big men had plenty of the help from the guards. Tray Woodall and James Robinson combined for 17 assists with only four turnovers, mostly feeding the big men in the paint. Lamar Patterson had a very Lamar night with nine points, four rebounds and three assists.

Cameron Wright scored only four points, but played an instrumental role on defense, slowing down Delaware State' Tahj Tate, who scored 12 of his 18 in the first half before Wright clamped down in the second half.

As usual this season, there's an internal conflict as to whether Pitt is actually this good or if their opponent is just that bad. Delaware State's claim to fame so far is taking Penn State to overtime. Forgive me if I'm not impressed. But it's impossible to deny that this Panther team is putting up some pretty gaudy stats, even against seemingly inferior competiton.

Unfortunately, things will get worse before they get better as Pitt hosts 1-9 Kennesaw State Sunday before beginning Big East play against a still undefeated Cincinnati New Years Eve.

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