After getting embarrassed in Morgantown just nine days ago, the Pittsburgh Panthers faced their bitter rival West Virginia on Friday night in Pittsburgh. Pitt came into Friday's night game trailing just a half-game for a tie to be fourth in the Big East, the importance of this is comes into to play during Big East tournament play because the top four teams will get two days off of tournament play.
Friday night was more than just a game but an all out battle that took three overtimes and 193 points to determine the winner. Pittsburgh outlasted West Virginia 98-95 (3 OT).
West Virginia was leading by 7 with 1:11 left to play and looked to have the advantage, but you must finish the game if you want to win the game especially on the opponents home floor. Pittsburgh went on a 9-2 run to end regulation and forced overtime. West Virginia would miss three free throws that would key Pittsburgh's comeback.
One hustle play made by Pitt's Wanamaker gave the panthers the chance to tie the game. Off a miss free throw by Pitt, Wanamaker ran and got the rebound, tight-roped the sideline threw to the top of the key then the ball was swung to Gibbs for three.
During the first overtime both teams went on 5-0 runs to keep the game tied at 78.
Second overtime look to be in Pitt's favor as they were up by three with 28 seconds. West Virginia called a timeout to make sure they get the offensive play they wanted to run. WVA's DeSean Butler shot a three with 20 seconds and missed it, but wait Pitt's McGhee fouled Butler in the act of shooting. DeSean would make all three of his free throws to tie the at 88. Pitt would get two attempts to put the ball in the hoop but failed and thus a third overtime.
Third overtime started off like the first two as Pitt won the tip. Gibbs would turn the ball over and WVA's Butler would make a long two to give the Mountaineers the lead. Pitt came back with two of their own to tie the game back up. The next two minutes would not be kind to Pitt as Wanamaker and Woodall would foul out and seemed to give the Mountaineers' the advantage. One minute to go and Pitt had a 94-93 lead and WVA would have the ball. West Virginia called a timeout with 40 seconds left and again Butler would come out of the timeout and give WVA the 95-94 lead. Thirty seconds left and WVA's Kevin Jones would foul Pitts Gilbert Brown. Brown made both free throws to give the panthers the lead back, 96-95.
Eubanks would shoot a jumper for WVA, but missed it and Pitt would rebound. Gibbs would get fouled and make both free throws to give Pitt the lead 98-95 and eventually the final score of the game.
Pittsburgh's win put them in a tie for fourth in the Big East along with West Virginia and Georgetown and a chance for a two day rest opportunity in the conference tournament.
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