Slow start doesn't derail Pitt vs. Howard

Tuesday, 27 November 2012 21:38

Written by Ray Fittipaldo

Pitt played two terrific first halves in the N.I.T. Tip-Off against Michigan and Delaware. That reversed an early-season trend where the Panthers came out of the gates slow against opponents.

On Tuesday night against Howard, the Panthers reverted back to form. Howard’s only victory on the season came against a Division II team, but the Bison were making a game of it at halftime. The score was 36-28, and Howard was shooting 50 percent from the field.

Talib Zanna said the Panthers came out flat-footed, and he said the team became more focused after coach Jamie Dixon “yelled” at them at halftime.

The Panthers had another slow start against Oakland 10 days ago and it almost cost them. They trailed by 14 at halftime, and by 18 early in the second half, before a miraculous overtime win.

I asked freshman point guard James Robinson about the slow starts.

“I don’t think we take any team lightly,” Robinson said. “But obviously, we didn’t come out with enough intensity and enthusiasm tonight. We always want to be hitting on all cylinders. We just have to do a better job.”

The Panthers probably won't lose another game before Big East play begins, even if they continue to played ragged first halves. But once Big East play gets under way, they'll have to find better footing early because good teams will get up and stay up on them.

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