COLUMBIA, S.C. — Even though freshman Sam Young had a career game in Pittsburgh's win over South Carolina, his lessons weren't over once the horn sounded.

Panthers star Carl Krauser had more to teach. He asked Young his thoughts on the hard-fought 58-51 victory that moved Pitt to 10-0 for the third straight season and got the answer he wanted to hear — that Young was ready to have more nights of 16 points and seven rebounds.

"He told me the right answer. I said, 'That's how I expect you to play,'" said Krauser, a senior. "I see a bright future ahead for Sam and the rest of my teammates. I knew he was going to step up when his name was called."

Pittsburgh needed to call on someone at the Colonial Center.

The Panthers, playing for the first time outside the city — their other "road" game was against crosstown rival Duquesne — had perhaps their worst half of the season managing only eight field goals and trailing 22-20.

But behind Young and Krauser, Pittsburgh rallied to the win.

"I definitely feel capable," Young said.

Keith Benjamin's jumper put Pitt ahead 24-22 early in the second half — the team's first lead since 2-0 — and then Young extended the margin with his three-point play.

Three minutes later, Young hit a 3-pointer as teammate — and Panthers' top scorer — Carl Krauser raised his arms along with the referees as the shot went through.

"I believe in my teammates," said Krauser, smiling.

Young followed with four straight free throws and Pittsburgh led 38-29.

The Gamecocks eventually cut things to 49-45 with less than three minutes left and forced Pitt guard Ronald Ramon into a long, off-balance 3-pointer with the shot clock near zero. But Young cut across the lane from the right corner to collect the long rebound.

"That almost did us in right there," South Carolina coach Dave Odom said.

Krauser would eventually end the possession with a driving layup to maintain control for the Panthers.

Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon had talked with Young about improving his rebounding, especially on the offensive side. Young showed that against the Gamecocks with six of his seven rebounds on missed Pitt shots. Once Young shows some consistency, it might be hard to keep him on the bench.

"If he does that stuff, the points are going to come," Dixon said.

South Carolina retired the No. 3 jersey of all-time scoring leader BJ McKie before tip-off.

The Gamecocks (7-4) could've used the savvy and steadiness McKie showed during his four seasons from 1996-99 as South Carolina squandered several chances to tighten the game near the end.

When Krauser hit both ends of a one-and-one to put Pitt ahead 53-47 with 51 seconds to go, Rocky Trice missed an inside shot as he got followed on the Gamecocks next possession.

Then Trice missed one of his two foul shots. In all, South Carolina was only 12 of 21 from the free throw line.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, just about ended the Gamecocks chances at the line, making 11 of its final 12 attempts.

Krauser added 15 points, 11 in the second half, and Aaron Gray had 13 rebounds. Young also had seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Tre Kelley led the Gamecocks with 18 points while Antoine Tisby had 12 points. One of the most glaring weaknesses for South Carolina was on the boards where Pittsburgh held a 38-22 advantage.

Right now, Young is glad he can add another dimension to Pittsburgh's attack. He said he saw the Panthers' early struggles as an opportunity. "I thought I could step up to the challenge," Young said.