Pitt
Gonzaga
Pitt-Gonzaga Game Cancelled at Halftime Due to Court Conditions
11/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Halftime Box Score | Photo Gallery
OKINAWA, JAPAN -- Unsafe court conditions due to humidity and moisture at Foster Field House led to the cancellation of Pitt's season opener against Gonzaga in the fourth annual Armed Forces Classic in Okinawa, Japan. The Panthers grabbed a 37-35 halftime lead on a three-point play by Ryan Luther with 5.4 seconds remaining in the half, before officials gathered during intermission and elected to halt the contest.
"We are disappointed to not be able to finish the game but the tournament officials made the right call," said head coach Jamie Dixon. "We want to thank all of the servicemen and women who came out to support the two teams and this event. I am proud of the way our guys competed and more importantly how they represented the University of Pittsburgh on this trip."
Michael Young paced Pitt in the opening half with 11 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Chris Jones and James Robinson added seven points, apiece. Robinson took a vicious fall midway through the half, slipping near the lane and smashing his face off the court. The fall resulted in a facial laceration and a short stoppage of play.
The Panthers led for a majority of the half before Gonzaga moved ahead on a Kyle Wiltjer three-point field goal with under five minutes remaining. The two teams battled back and forth over the final minutes before Luther's putback and foul shot off a missed corner three in the closing seconds.
Wiltjer led Gonzaga with 15 points, while Domantas Sabonis added eight points and five rebounds.
ESPN officials gathered with tournament representatives, game officials and both head coaches for several minutes before making a decision to call the game.
"Out of an abundance of caution and after consultation with the officials it was deemed appropriate to cancel this year's game," said Clint Overby, ESPN Senior Director of Events. "Wanted to make sure we maintained a safe playing environment and because of the humidity and the slipping that occurred in the first half we wanted to exercise caution - which is why we came to the decision that we did. We had a great experience in Okinawa. Our thanks to the Marines for being great hosts."
Pitt returns to action Tuesday, Nov. 17 with a home contest against St. Joseph's [Ind.] (7 p.m. - ESPN3).
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