No. 11 seed Pittsburgh began the game with a 19–2 run thanks to their stifling defense, and they leaned on the defense once again in the second half to cruise past No. 6 seed Iowa State 59–41 in Friday’s Midwest round of 64 action.
The Panthers, who never trailed, allowed the Cyclones to get back into the game before halftime due to a series of cold shooting possessions, but still took a seven point lead into the break.
Once the second half began, it was all Pittsburgh.
The Panthers outscored Iowa State 29–18 in the second half, and held the Cyclones to just 23.3% shooting from the floor and 9.5% shooting from three, to pull away and advance to the round of 32.
It was a balanced effort offensively for the Panthers, as three starters finished in double figures, led by 13 points from Nelly Cummings.
Pittsburgh will meet No. 3 Xavier in the second round on Sunday.
