Pitt Snaps Losing Streak, Beats Providence

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Pitt snapped its eight-game losing streak with an 86-74 win against Providence Wednesday night at the Petersen Events Center.

The Panthers (12-9, 1-7 Big East) used one of their better shooting efforts of the year to beat the Friars, as guards Ashton Gibbs and Tray Woodall controlled play. Woodall had 17 points and nine assists while Gibbs shot 5-of-11 from 3-point range for 22 points in the win.

As a team, Pitt shot 49.2 percent from the field and 55 percent from 3-point range.

Four of those 3-pointers came in the waning minutes of the second half. Gibbs hit four 3-pointers on four straight possessions in less than two minutes to help Pitt earn a 46-31 halftime lead. The Panthers had all the momentum going into the break, and Providence head coach Ed Cooley said it was undoubtedly the difference in the game.

The Friars (12-9, 1-7 Big East) could never quite get back on track and pose a threat in the second half, even with guard Vincent Council scoring 26 points. Providence cut Pitt's lead to less than 10 points three different times in the final 10 minutes and were as close at seven, 70-63, with eight minutes remaining, but the gap didn't shrink any smaller.

The Panthers stopped a recurring trend during the eight-game losing streak, which was losing control of close games late in the contest.

Lamar Patterson was close to a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds. Nasir Robinson found double-figures with 14 points and added six rebounds. Talib Zanna added nine points and five rebounds.

Pitt's next game is at 4 p.m. Saturday when Georgetown visits the Petersen Events Center.

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