LAHAINA, Hawaii — Pittsburgh opened the Maui Invitational by winning a game it was supposed to and lost in embarrassing fashion in the semifinals.

The Panthers closed out their trip to paradise by playing their best game of the season.

James Robinson had 14 points and six assists, and Pittsburgh was sharp at both ends to beat Kansas State 70-47 Wednesday in the third-place game of the Maui Invitational.

“That’s a very good team, Kansas State, that we beat and we beat it the way we wanted to do it as far as defense, execution on the offensive end and smart play throughout,” Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said.

Inconsistent to start the season, Pittsburgh (4-2) pulled it all together against the Wildcats, working the ball around for good shots inside and out, while limiting Kansas State’s chances at the other end.

The Panthers shot 55 percent and made 8 of 15 3-pointers.

Ryan Luther and Michael Young had 13 points apiece for Pitt.