It's tough to remember an eight-nine game in the NCAA Tournament that was more one-sided than the one between Pittsburgh and Colorado. In what was truly a dominating performance from the start, the Panthers cruised to a 77-48 win to advance to the third round.
NCAA Tournament scores, Pittsburgh vs. Colorado: Panthers embarrass Buffaloes, 77-48
It was ugly from the beginning as Pitt dominated for 40 minutes. The Panthers will likely face top-seeded Florida on Saturday in what suddenly looks like a difficult game for the Gators.
Pittsburgh opened the game on a 13-0 run and did not allow CU to score until nearly six minutes in. Talib Zanna’s dunk with 7:21 remaining in the first half pushed the lead to 30-7. The Buffaloes had a deer-in-the-headlights look, and one can only imagine what went on at halftime as they trailed by 28.
Colorado still isn’t out on the court with 2:45 left before the 2nd half starts. Maybe they went home?
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 20, 2014 The second half was not quite as brutal, though Jamie Dixon began pulling his horses around the 10-minute mark. With a likely showdown against top-seeded Florida looming on Saturday, there was no reason to risk a turned ankle or jammed finger.
Zanna led the Panthers with 18 points, five rebounds and two blocks. The senior big man dominated the paint. Cameron Wright chipped in with 11 points and also racked up three steals. Pitt shot 51 percent from the floor, dished out 18 assists and turned the ball over only three times. It was an offensive clinic.
Colorado turned the ball over 16 times and made just 15 shots. For Buffs fans, all they can think about is what could have been if Spencer Dinwiddie stayed healthy.
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