PITTSBURGH – Sophomore Federiko Federiko dominated the paint and graduate transfer guard Nelly Cummings had his highest scoring output as a Panther in a 91-66 win over Sacred Heart Saturday afternoon at the Petersen Events Center. Federiko posted 17 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, while Cummings knocked down six three-point field goals en route to a season-best 24-point effort.
The Panthers blew open the game in the second half outscoring Sacred Heart, 50-30, after halftime. The Pioneers closed the gap to 56-54 with 13:56 remaining on an Aidan Carpenter layup, but Pitt responded in terrific fashion closing the game on a 35-12 run. Cummings knocked down four three-point field goals and outscored Sacred Heart 14-12 during the closing stretch.
Pitt also got a double-double effort from Blake Hinson, who finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Greg Elliott scored 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range.
The Panthers opened the game on a 9-0 run as Cummings and Hinson combined for all nine points. A cold shooting stretch and a 13-2 run by Sacred Heart closed the gap midway through the half and the final 13 minutes of action were played within a five-point margin. A Nike Sibande fastbreak three-point play with 21 seconds gave the Panthers a 41-36 lead at intermission.
Pitt missed 8-of-9 shots, including five three-point attempts, over a four-minute span as the Pioneers chipped away at an early deficit. The Panthers finished the half at 37.1 percent (13-of-35) shooting from the field, including 4-of-16 (.250) from three-point range. Nine offensive rebounds and an 11-of-12 (.917) effort from the free throw line helped offset the first half shooting struggles.
Raheem Solomon led the Pioneers with 18 points, including 11 in the opening half of play. Carpenter (16) and Nico Galette (10) also scored in double figures for Sacred Heart.
Pitt improves to 7-4 overall, including 5-1 in non-conference home games, while Sacred Heart falls to 5-6 overall.
DOUBLE DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Blake Hinson (19 points, 11 rebounds) and Federiko Federiko (17 points, 14 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles in the win. Federiko grabbed 10 offensive rebounds, tied for the third most in program history.
SEASON HIGHS ALL AROUND
The Panthers posted season highs in points (91), made field goals (33), rebounds (54), offensive rebounds (20), rebound margin (+28), free throw percentage (.933), and steals (4) … Federiko recorded season highs in points, rebounds and assists … Cummings had season bests in points (24) and steals (4) … Elliott matched a season high with four steals … Jorge Diaz Graham posted a season high with three assists
NO BURTON
Second-leading scorer Jamarius Burton missed his second game of the season due to knee inflammation. The Charlotte, N.C., native entered Saturday’s action as the only player in the ACC averaging at least 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He is shooting 54.2 percent from the field, while averaging 15.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
Credit: Matt Plizga/Pitt Athletics
Image: PittsburghPanthers.com