Pitt Wins 71-59 Over Cincinnati

PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) -- The Pitt Panthers took advantage of the fact Cincinnati was playing without suspended forward Yancy Gates, beating the Bearcats 71-59 on Saturday night.

Ashton Gibbs tied a career-high with 25 points.

Gilbert Brown added 11 points for the Panthers (21-2, 9-1), who have built a two-game lead in the Big East standings.

Gates, a senior, is suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.

He leads Cincinnati in rebounds and blocked shots, and was second in scoring. He did not make the trip.

Larry Davis had 13 points to lead Cincinnati (18-5, 5-5), which has lost five of eight after a 15-0 start.

The Bearcats have lost 17 consecutive conference road games against ranked opponents.

The Panther will face the West Virginia University Mountaineers on Feb. 7 in Morgantown.