No. 19 Pitt defeated No. 3 Villanova, 70-65, this afternoon before 12,920, the largest on-campus crowd in the history of the Petersen Events Center.

Pitt (21-6, 10-4) improved to 7-0 all-time against top-five teams at the Petersen Events Center. The Panthers kept pace with West Virginia and remained in a tie for third place in the conference standings with the Mountaineers.

Pitt led 29-23 at halftime and led throughout the second half. Villanova cut the lead to two twice, the final time with 4:59 remaining.

Ashton Gibbs led Pitt with 21 points. Gilbert Brown added 15.

Scottie Reynolds led Villanova (22-4, 11-3) with 15 points.

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