Pitt Pulls Away From Northwestern to Win the 2019 Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off
Four Pitt starters scored in double-figures, led by a game-high 21 points from Tournament MVP Justin Champagnie, to carry the Panthers to a 72-59 victory over Northwestern in the championship game of the 2019 Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans Fort Myers Tip-Off on Wednesday night.
Champagnie struggled in the early going, going 2 of 9 in the first half, but finished the game 9 of 20 from the floor, and made three 3-point baskets late in the second half to hold off Northwestern and secure the victory. Trey McGowens finished with 15 points, with Xavier Johnson adding 11. Eric Hamilton notched his second double-double of the Tournament, finishing with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Pat Spencer and Boo Buie led the way for the Northwestern offense, with Spencer finishing with 18 points and Buie with 16.
2019 Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
Elijah Childs, Bradley
Nate Kennell, Bradley
Pat Spencer, Northwestern
Justin Champagnie, Pitt (Most Valuable Player)
Xavier Johnson, Pitt
Both Northwestern and Pitt’s next contests are part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge next Tuesday, when Pitt takes on Rutgers and Northwestern faces Boston College, which won the 2018 Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off.