Pitt ends non-conference play by thrashing N. Florida 82-56

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Federiko Federiko scored 22 points on 10-for-14 shooting, Blake Hinson scored 18 points, and Pittsburgh wrapped up non-conference play by beating North Florida 82-56 on Saturday.

The Panthers (8-4) have won seven of their last eight following a three-game losing streak.

Federiko's jumper two minutes in gave Pitt a 2-1 lead and the Panthers held the lead for the remainder. They pushed the lead to 16-7 midway through the first half on Jamarius Burton's layup before the Ospreys closed to 19-15 on Jose Placer's 3. But Pitt took control 6 1/2 minutes before halftime and outscored North Florida 20-10 to head to intermission up 39-25.

The Panthers shot 44.8% from the floor in the first half including 4 for 9 from 3-point range and distributed eight assists on 13 made baskets.

Pitt started the second half on a 20-8 run and were never challenged the rest of the way. Burton finished with 13 points and Greg Elliott 11.

The Panthers finished shooting 52.5% (32 for 61), dished 21 assists and held a 43-27 rebounding advantage. The Panthers entered ranked second in the ACC in rebounds (39.9 rpg.) and rebound margin (plus 5.9). Pitt has won the rebounding battle in eight of its 12 games, including a season-best plus-28 margin in last week's win over Sacred Heart.

Jarius Hicklen scored 15 points for North Florida (3-7) and Carter Hendricksen and Placer each scored 12.

The Panthers travel to Syracuse, New York to face the Orange on Tuesday to start ACC play.

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