Cameron Johnson and Michael Young had 18 points apiece to lead Pittsburgh past Gardner-Webb 99-80 in the 2K Classic on Monday night in Pittsburgh.

James Aris also had 11 points, while Jonathan Milligan added 10 points for Pittsburgh, which shot 35 of 65 (53.8 percent) from the field. Sheldon Jeter got his second career double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds for Pittsburgh (2-0).

Laquincy Rideau led Gardner-Webb with 23 points and David Efianayi added 20. Forward Tyrell Nelson, an All-Big South Conference selection last season, had 10 points for the Runnin' Bulldogs (0-2).

The Panthers, who returned six of their top seven scorers from last season, took control after the opening tip and never trailed. A 3-pointer by Milligan gave Pittsburgh a 20-12 lead midway through the first half.

Johnson had 14 points and the Panthers led 52-32 at the break. Pittsburgh made 20 field goals on 16 assists and were 9 of 16 (56.3 percent) from beyond the arc.

Pittsburgh continued to pull away in the second half, and a 3-pointer by Young increased the margin to 68-44 with 15:50 remaining.

The Panthers' experience showed as Pittsburgh was dominant at both ends of the court. The Panthers got points from 10 players. A layup by Johnson provided a 77-57 margin with 8:52 left.

Pittsburgh, which opened the season with a 93-90 double-overtime win over Eastern Michigan, was never threatened the rest of the way.

Gardner-Webb was just 4 of 15 (26.7 percent) from 3-point range and was outrebounded 50-30. Liam O'Reilly managed 14 points.