Jeff Capel’s team went to Italy with the goals of bonding and getting better as a basketball team. It sure looks like they’ve accomplished those goals.
In their final game of their Italy Tour, Pitt shot lights out and overwhelmed the Vicenza All-Stars, 104-41. Six Panthers scored in double figures as they shot 52% from the field. JUCO transfer Ryan Murphy, arguably Pitt’s most consistent player for these 3 games, scored a game-high 21 points (five 3-pointers) and was named the player of the game.
Courtesy of Ryan Murphy
Other doube-digit scorers included freshman Karim Coulibaly (18 points and 10 rebounds), sophomore Trey McGowens (12 points, 3 assists, 4 steals), sophomore Au’Diese Toney (12 points and 6 rebounds), freshman Gerald Drumgoole (10 points and 5 rebounds) and freshman Justin Champagnie (10 points and 6 rebounds).
After leading by six after the 1st quarter, Pitt pulled away in the second quarter with a 27-11 run sparked by 8 points from Murphy, who finished the first half with 13 points. The name of the game in the second half was defense as Pitt held Vicenza to just 14 points (4 made field goals).
The Pitt team will spend one more day in Venice before returning to Pittsburgh on Wednesday.