Pittsburgh, PA – Four Miami players scored in double figures as the visiting Hurricanes used a balanced attack and stifling defense to defeat the Pitt Panthers 67-53 in the ACC opener for both schools. Junior wing Anthony Lawrence led the ‘Canes in scoring with 12, while guards Ja’Quan Newton and Bruce Brown each scored 11. Three other Miami players scored 8-10 points. The Panthers, who struggled to score for most of the contest, were led by freshman Shamiel Stevenson, who scored a game-high 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Guard Jared Wilson-Frames tallied 13 points and freshman Parker Stewart scored 12.
Lawrence is a long, athletic wing player with NBA size for the perimeter. He displays confident ball-handling ability and can go coast-to-coast fluidly with ball in his hands. Lawrence makes threes with consistency (15-32 on season) and has a fluid shooting motion. He is also capable of putting the ball on the deck to finish at the rim or in-between with a polished touch on his floater. Lawrence is bouncy and a willing rim protector (3 blocks), as well as a capable rebounder (6) and passer with solid court vision.
Pitt freshman Stevenson is a strong, physical 3-4 hybrid who uses his solid frame to get by defenders and finish plays at the rim (5-7 on 2 point FG’s). He is also a capable long-distance shooter who possesses good form on his jumper. Stevenson is an able rebounder, but will need to be more aggressive as he gains experience. More experience can improve also help improve his ball security and defensive court awareness.
Miami guards Brown and Newton both had solid offensive games by getting into the lane in scoring at the basket. Brown is a 6-5 combo guard who has facilitating ability, but is more comfortable as a scoring guard. He has a strong, defined body he uses to muscle past defenders and finish strong at the rim with either hand. Brown is a strong rebounder for his size (7 rpg). Brown is a slasher with above average court awareness and passing vision (4.3 apg). Newton is a quick point guard with penetrating ability, who prefers to finish at the rim or in between with good touch on his floater. Newton is a solid on-ball defender who stays in front of his man. He has solid handles and has facilitating ability. He must add consistency to his outside jump shot to succeed at next level.
Miami improves to 12-1 on the season and will now travel to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech on Wednesday. Pitt falls to 8-6 and will look to rebound on Tuesday when they head to Louisville to take on the Cardinals.
This article was written by Nate Toth, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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