Blue 56, Gold 53

Pitt men's basketball fans finally had an opportunity to view the 2009-10 Panthers during their annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage Tuesday night at the Petersen Events Center.

The Pittsburgh Blue team, led by senior guard Chase Adams with 21 points, pulled out a 56-53 decision.

"I was really happy with our energy, intensity and focus,'' Pitt Head Coach Jamie Dixon said. "Execution of the plays was good, considering we have so many new players. I'm real happy with the improvement they've shown.''

Adams, a transfer from Centenary, led all scorers and finished the game with an impressive 8-for-11 shooting. He showed range and versatility by making 5 of 7 from 3-point range and adding four rebounds. Last year's Summit League Defensive Player of the Year, Adams opened with a 3-pointer and didn’t slow down. He added three assists, a block and two steals.

"I definitely view myself as more of a defensive player, but as of lately, I've been shooting pretty well,'' Adams said. "So, I've felt more comfortable shooting the basketball. Coach has been telling me that when you're open, take the shot. So I'm trying to establish myself as an offensive player as well.''

Adams certainly took the first step toward achieving that in the scrimmage by playing both the point- and shooting-guard positions. But he wasn't the only player who stood out during the scrimmage.

Junior guard Bradley Wanamaker and sophomore guard Ashton Gibbs both had strong performances for the Gold team. Wanamaker, one of Pitt's most-improved players last season, scored 19 points on 6-for-9 shooting and consistently slashed through the lane to create opportunities. Many translated into free throws, and he knocked down 6 of 9 attempts from the line. Gibbs, the Big East's leader in 3-pointer percentage last year, scored 17 points on 6-for-10 shooting that included 3 of 6 made from 3-point range.

Lamar Patterson led Pitt's freshman quartet with 10 points and four rebounds, while Wanamaker and sophomore Nasir Robinson tied for the team lead with six rebounds each.

After falling behind 19-10, the Gold team got hot and entered the half with the score knotted at 29-29. The game was closely contested throughout the majority of the second half, but the Blue team held on for the win.

Pitt's first exhibition game is Sunday against Slippery Rock at the Petersen Events Center. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.

GAME NOTES

Guards Jermaine Dixon (foot), walk-on Tim Frye and redshirt freshman forward Dwight Miller (illness) did not play during the scrimmage. ... Six players reached double-figures, including Adams (21), Wanamaker (19), Gibbs (17), Travon Woodall (11), Robinson (11) and Patterson (10). ... Pitt opens regular-season play against Wofford on Friday, Nov. 13 at the Petersen Events Center.

Here is the box score from the Blue-Gold scrimmage: Click Here