Monday, December 3
Pittsburgh, Pa.
7 PM
Pitt
(7-2)
70
vs
71
Niagara
(3-4)
1
2
F
Niagara
34
37
71
Pitt
33
37
70
Pitt Rally Falls Short in Setback to Niagara
12/3/2018 9:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
PITTSBURGH—Pitt freshman Xavier Johnson's last-second shot went around the rim and out as the Panthers suffered their first home loss of the Jeff Capel era in a 71-70 setback to Niagara on Monday evening at the Petersen Events Center.
Johnson, who extended his Pitt freshman record streak of double-digit scoring games to nine with his game-high 19 points, helped the Panthers (7-2) mount a frantic rally from a 12-point deficit in the final minutes against the Purple Eagles (3-4) but was unable to provide a dramatic buzzer beater.
Niagara's Greg Kuakumensah hit two clutch free throws with 12 seconds left to give the visitors what seemed to be an insurmountable 71-67 lead.
But indicative of the team's tough mentality that has Pitt on the brink of matching last season's win tally, the Panthers fought until the end.
Capel called timeout, drew up a play and senior Jared Wilson-Frame connected on a 3-pointer to pull Pitt within one point. The Panthers then forced a turnover on the ensuing inbounds play. For the final possession, Pitt gave the ball to Johnson, the team's leading scorer as a freshman, and he drove to the rim to get a good look, but his leaning layup somehow didn't fall.
Pitt saw its 12-game winning streak against unranked non-conference opponents at home snapped. Niagara also ended Pitt's 10-game winning run over MAAC opponents.
The Purple Eagles used a 23-8 surge in the middle of the second half to take a 64-52 lead with 7:10 to play. The Panthers responded with a quick 9-0 run but could never retake the lead.
Freshmen Trey McGowens and Au'Diese Toney also added 12 points for the Panthers.
Pitt will face rival West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl on Saturday in Morgantown, W.Va. The Panthers and Mountaineers will meet for the 186th time at noon on ESPN2.
Johnson, who extended his Pitt freshman record streak of double-digit scoring games to nine with his game-high 19 points, helped the Panthers (7-2) mount a frantic rally from a 12-point deficit in the final minutes against the Purple Eagles (3-4) but was unable to provide a dramatic buzzer beater.
Niagara's Greg Kuakumensah hit two clutch free throws with 12 seconds left to give the visitors what seemed to be an insurmountable 71-67 lead.
But indicative of the team's tough mentality that has Pitt on the brink of matching last season's win tally, the Panthers fought until the end.
Capel called timeout, drew up a play and senior Jared Wilson-Frame connected on a 3-pointer to pull Pitt within one point. The Panthers then forced a turnover on the ensuing inbounds play. For the final possession, Pitt gave the ball to Johnson, the team's leading scorer as a freshman, and he drove to the rim to get a good look, but his leaning layup somehow didn't fall.
Pitt saw its 12-game winning streak against unranked non-conference opponents at home snapped. Niagara also ended Pitt's 10-game winning run over MAAC opponents.
The Purple Eagles used a 23-8 surge in the middle of the second half to take a 64-52 lead with 7:10 to play. The Panthers responded with a quick 9-0 run but could never retake the lead.
Freshmen Trey McGowens and Au'Diese Toney also added 12 points for the Panthers.
Pitt will face rival West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl on Saturday in Morgantown, W.Va. The Panthers and Mountaineers will meet for the 186th time at noon on ESPN2.
Team Stats
NIA
UP
FG%
.482
.421
3FG%
.421
.400
FT%
.600
.667
RB
38
31
TO
24
18
STL
6
9
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
19
FGM
7
3FGM
3
FTM
2
Pts
12
FGM
4
3FGM
2
FTM
2
Pts
12
FGM
3
3FGM
2
FTM
4
Pts
8
FGM
3
3FGM
2
FTM
0
Players Mentioned
G
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