Pitt downs Manhattan 65-56
By: Ryan Bertonaschi
Since Pitt began its season in October, Jamie Dixon admittedly knew his Panthers’ active roster lacked a guard that could provide team leadership, defend the perimeter, rebound and score.
All the while, however, Dixon knew he had Cameron Wright, a senior from Cleveland, Oh., buried deep in his bench.
Wright was dressed in street clothes to start out the year after suffering an offseason broken foot that required ensuing surgery, rest and rehab. But Wright is now three games removed from his return, and his presence was conclusive in Pitt’s 65-56 win over Manhattan (2-7) Wednesday evening at the Petersen Events Center.
Dixon said after the game that, primarily because of Wright’s back-to-normalcy, he’s “feeling good” about where the Panthers (7-3) are heading.
“We’re 3-0 with Cameron back and that’s how we look at things,” Dixon said. “There’s a lot of days to look forward here. A lot of days to get better.”
Wright finished with 14 points and two assists.
He said after the game that his leadership qualities will only continue to factor into outcomes.
“I saw the game from a whole different perspective,” Wright said. “I was like ‘Coach Wright.’ It’s a blessing to be out there. I love these guys to death.”
Wright did, however, only pull down one rebound. Forwards Jamel Artis and Michael Young led the way for Pitt with 20 points and 16 points, respectively, and both collected eight rebounds in the effort.
Pitt returns to the Petersen Events Center Saturday afternoon to play Oakland, which is coming off a 101-64 loss to no. 3-ranked Arizona.
