MathewFinger

WASHINGTON -- Pittsburgh got exactly what it wanted and what it needed from North Carolina-Ashville in its opening game of the NCAA tournament, a 74-51 win.balklänningar

The Panthers got enough of a game to keep them focused and sharp but didn't get too much of a challenge to force them to exert any more energy than they had to.

Although Pittsburgh allowed UNC-Ashville to climb to within three points early in the second half, guard Ashton Gibbs took it upon himself to quickly give the Panthers a spurt that enabled them to remain comfortable for the final 15 minutes.

Gibbs had 20 points in the half and 26 overall hitting 6-of-9 threes. Teammates Gilbert Brown and Gary McGhee combined for 20 rebounds leading to Pitt's 50-27 advantage.

Pittsburgh now plays Butler who defeated Old Dominon 60-58 and coach Jamie Dixon expects another Big East-style matchup from the Horizon League champions who finished second to Duke in last year's title game.

"I know they are very good and very balanced,"said Dixon who admitted that he had only seen them play a couple of times. "They are very physical and very aggressive on the ball. They are as physical of a team we'll play all year. Probably the most physical."balklänning