Pitt assistant coach Jason Capel’s return to Italy was a triumphant one.
The Panthers concluded their three-game tour of Italy on Monday with a dominant 104-41 victory against the Vicenza All-Stars.
Pitt was 3-0 in Italy, with victories against Vicenza, Florence, 103-53, and The Netherlands B team, 60-55.
“This trip was about us getting better every day and going from a unit to trying to become a team,” said Capel, who spent 2 ½ seasons playing professionally in Italy. “I thought game-by-game we improved.”
Ryan Murphy led six Pitt players in double digits, shooting 5 of 8 from beyond the 3-point arc and finishing with 21 points.
Freshman Karim Coulibaly recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds while classmates Gerald Drumgoole and Justin Champagnie scored 10 each.
Trey McGowens and Au’Diese Toney scored 12 each, and Xavier Johnson attempted only four shots and finished with two points.
Pitt had a large rebounding edge, getting 61 to Vicenza’s 31. Vicenza scored only 14 points in the second half and finished the game with 29 turnovers.
Capel said the Italian fans are passionate about basketball.
“The fans in Italy are great,” he said. “This is a place that is near and dear to my heart. They love basketball. Soccer is the No. 1 sport, but basketball is close behind it.
“I thought we came out and put on a pretty good show for them, playing the right way for a full 40 minutes.”
Pitt will return home Wednesday after spending one more day in Venice.
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