NEW YORK — Pittsburgh did what it does best and the Panthers are off to another good start.

Ashton Gibbs scored 17 points, including three free throws in the final 17 seconds, and No. 15 Pittsburgh dominated the backboards in a 74-68 victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday, the Cowboys’ third loss of the season and all of them have come at Madison Square Garden.

The Panthers (9-1) led by as many as 16 points in the second half, but Oklahoma State was able to get within five twice late. Each time, Gibbs was able to make at least one free throw.

But the game was won because of the Panthers’ rebounding, a part of the game they have always excelled in and Pittsburgh is fourth in the nation in that statistic right now.

“It is what we do,” Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said. “It is ingrained in our program. We recruit guys with a nose for the ball.”

The Panthers finished with a 43-25 rebound advantage and outscored the Cowboys 40-26 in the paint.

“Rebounding was the key,” Dixon said. “That’s what we do.”

Nasir Robinson had 15 points for Pittsburgh, while Lamar Patterson added 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

“We have a rebounding drill in practice where we throw each other around pretty good,” Robinson said.