Maui Invitational: Pitt Dominates The Glass Against Chaminade, Advances To Semifinals
By Brett Tunno
Nov 24, 2014; Lahaina, Maui, HI, USA; Chaminade Silverswords guard A.J. Mathew (10) takes a shot against Pittsburgh Panthers forward Derrick Randall (11) during the 2014 EA Sports Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Chaminade Silverswords, hosts of the inaugural Maui Invitational, were taught a rebounding lesson from Jamie Dixon and his Pitt Panthers on Monday night.
Pitt outrebounded Chaminade 51-17, as senior center Derrick Randall finished with 21 rebounds, setting a new Maui Invitational record.
Pitt proved too powerful and wore down the Division 2 host over time, as the Panthers came out with a 81-68 victory and advance to the Maui Semifinals.
For Pitt (3-1), sophomore forward Michael Young scored a career-high 27 points and hauled in 15 rebounds. Randall also recorded a double-double, scoring 11 points. Junior point guard James Robinson had his strongest game of the season, scoring 17 points and five assists.
For the Silverswords (2-1), freshman guard Kuany Kuany scored 12 points, and junior guard Kevin Hu came off the bench and scored 12. Chaminade shot 40.7 percent (11 for 27) from the three point line, essentially keeping the game within 10 to 12 points.
The Panthers, looking to improve upon a disheartening loss on Friday to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, put on a rebounding clinic, dominating the glass and empowering their will.
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In the first half, Pitt began to pull away as Young dominated the boards and could not be stopped. Pitt’s biggest lead in the first half was by 13, and they went into halftime leading 42-31.
In the second half, Pitt surged ahead by 17, on a pair of Young free throws to give the Panthers a 52-35 advantage. Kuany, Hu, and Lee Bailey all knocked down three pointers to keep the game within 10, but that is as close as Chaminade would get.
Some positives for Pitt include rebounding and contributions from other players such as freshmen guards Cameron Johnson and Ryan Luther. Johnson was 3 of 5 from the three point line, and Luther drained his only three point attempt.
The staggering number of rebounds does suggest several missed shots, however, as Pitt’s offense was stagnant at times. Luckily, rebounding made up for some shooting struggles in this game.
Chaminade did shoot 51 percent, which indicates that Pitt still has some work to do on defense.
Young continues to improve, and he is beginning to take on a leadership role with this young Pitt squad.
The Panthers will face the winner of No. 15 San Diego State and BYU on Tuesday night.
In earlier games, No. 3 Arizona defeated Missouri 72-53, and Kansas State beat Purdue 88-79. Arizona will play Kansas State in the other semifinal match.