PITTSBURGH – Myles Johnson and Ron Harper Jr. both had double-doubles, but it wasn't enough to help Rutgers (6-2) avoid a 71-60 loss to Pittsburgh (7-2) Tuesday evening at the Petersen Events Center in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge presented by Continental Tire. The Scarlet Knights committed 20 turnovers, enabling the Panthers to secure the victory courtesy of a 28-11 advantage in points-off-turnovers.

"Twenty turnovers are way too many for us," said Pikiell. We haven't been doing that either. That's a little uncharacteristic. You have to play better when you're on the road."

Johnson was 7-of-8 from the field to score 14 points, while grabbing a career-best 14 rebounds. Harper earned his first career double-double via a 14 point, 10-rebound performance. Montez Mathis also contributed 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Geo Baker and Akwasi Yeboah both posted nine points, as Rutgers fell just short of its fifth consecutive game with four players scoring in double digits.

The Scarlet Knights established a 40-33 rebounding advantage, but were unable to tweak the twine from long range. Struggling to find an offensive balance, RU was just 4-of-23 (17.4%) from behind the arc.

"Pitt is a good defensive team and they've been one all year long," said Pikiell. "They beat Florida State, Kansas State and some good teams. Defense is their calling."

The Scarlet Knights displayed steady shooting early, depositing nine if its initial 18 shots, as a back-and-forth tempo ensued. Baker made his first three field goal attempts, including two from behind the arc, before Pitt's defense clamped down. With Harper Jr. and Caleb McConnell limited by foul troubles, Rutgers made just two of its last 10 shots to enter the locker room at the midpoint trailing 35-27.

The Scarlet Knights committed 11 turnovers, helping the Panthers to a 16-5 advantage in points-off-turnovers, in the opening 20 minutes.

Rutgers found its rhythm out of the break, depositing six of 10 field goal attempts to overcome its deficit and take a 39-37 lead. The offensive miscues returned, however, and the Panthers responded with a 13-point run. The Scarlet Knights were unable to trim the gap beyond seven points for the remainder of the contest.

"We have to continue to get better and learn," said Pikiell. "This is life on the road. When you're competing against Big Ten and ACC teams, you have to play better."

Rutgers returns to the hardwood on Sunday evening to open its Big Ten campaign versus No. 11/12 Michigan State at the Breslin Center. The contest will tip-off at 7 p.m. on BTN with Brandon Gaudin and Shon Morris on the call.

Follow Rutgers men's basketball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional news and updates.
 
POSTGAME NOTES 

• The Scarlet Knights out-rebounded their opponent for the eighth time in as many games this season.
• Myles Johnson scored 14 points and grabbed a career-best 14 rebounds to register his second double-double of the season and the sixth of his career.
• It was Johnson's career-high in rebounds. 
• Ron Harper Jr. had 14 points and 10 rebounds to register his first career double-double.  He scored in double figures for the sixth time this season and 16^th time in his career.
• Harper's 10 rebounds were a career-high. 
• The last time two Rutgers players had double-doubles was Dec. 23, 2015 in a 72-64 win over FDU, when Greg Lewis had 10 points and 14 rebounds and Mike Williams contributed 14 points and 10 boards.
• Montez Mathis scored in double digits for the third time this season and the 16^th occasion in his career.
• Geo Baker dished-out five assists, his third game this season and the 19^th of his career with five or more helpers.
• Rutgers is now 2-4 all-time in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, having played three of its last four games in the match-up on the road.
• Rutgers still holds a 25-24 edge in the all-time series with the Panthers.