PITTSBURGH - Maybe they had too much to eat on Christmas. Maybe they were looking past their last game before heading into the grueling Big East schedule. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

But no matter what the case, after the #2 ranked Pittsburgh Panthers cruised through December to start the year 12-0, their final non-conference game left an extremely sour taste in their mouth as the American University Eagles stunned the Panthers, 77-68, at the Petersen Events Center on December 27.

"It certainly wasn't the best way to head into our conference schedule," head coach Jamie Dixon said. "But the guys realized that and will be sure to work extra hard to push forward through that rough patch."

They had gotten through their first true test thanks to a final minute 3-pointer by Ashton Gibbs to squeak past Tennessee, 70-69, at the Pete. They were easily beating lesser opponents, winning their other December games by no less than 15 points apiece.

To end November, they were forced to escape Robert Morris's upset bid, but still were very convincing as they pushed to the #2 ranking in the NCAA through 12 games.

No other really games were of note, as the Panthers consistently outlasted and dominated lesser schools, but their defense shined in their worst offensive performance of the year, as they outlasted Duquesne, 56-47, in the City Game.

They are scoring at a 72.0 point per game clip while only giving up 58.7 points per game, tied for 10th in the entire nation.

Individually, the Panthers have been led this year by Ashton Gibbs, who is averaging 16.2 points per game to lead the team. His season high total of 25 came as he carried Pitt past the RMU upset bid, and he had 21 against Tennessee.

"He's been our go-to guy when we need a basket," Dixon said. "With that shot against Tennessee, he showed that he wants the ball in key late game situations."

Brad Wanamaker is the only other Panther averaging double figure scoring (11.2 PPG) displaying the squad's balance, and Gary McGhee has added 9.0 PPG and 9.6 board per game. Gilbert Brown (9.8 PPG) and Nasir Robinson (8.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG) round out the starting lineup.

With their stellar defense but methodical offensive pace, the Panthers have displayed that they can easily withstand teams, but never really seem to blow many schools out. Perhaps that pace is what did them in against the hot shooting Eagles.

Consider the American game an aberration.

With such a tough schedule to look forward to, the Panthers have to hope it was.