Pitt's streak snapped by South Florida
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TAMPA, Fla. -- South Florida snapped Pitt's four-game winning streak by beating the Panthers, 63-51, tonight at Tampa Times Forum.
The loss dropped the Panthers to 4-8 in Big East Conference play heading into Sunday's game at Seton Hall. They likely have to win five of their final six to have a shot at making the NCAA tournament.
South Florida (14-10, 7-4) is one of the best defensive teams in the conference, and the Panthers could solve the Bulls. The Panthers had shot 43 percent or better in each of the past five games since point guard Tray Woodall returned to the lineup, but South Florida held them to 34 percent.
Woodall led the Panthers (15-10, 4-8) with 11 points, but he was 4 for 13 from the field.
Pitt trailed 27-23 at halftime. The Panthers got off to another slow start, falling behind 8-2. They rallied to take a short-lived 12-10 lead after back-to-back 3-pointers from Woodall and J.J. Moore.
South Florida quickly regained control and took the lead for the remainder of the half. Pitt had a chance at a six- or seven-point possession with 1:48 remaining before halftime. Talib Zanna got a steal and streaked down court for a layup, and he was fouled intentionally by Ron Anderson, Jr. Zanna made both free throws, and Pitt maintained possession. Moore missed a 3-pointer that would have given Pitt the lead again.
Just before halftime, Bulls guard Jawanza Poland boosted the lead to four with a 3-pointer with one second left. It was their first 3-pointer of the half.
South Florida shot 58 percent from the field in the first half: Pitt 35 percent.
South Florida continued to build on its lead after halftime. The Bulls opened up a 10-point lead after Anderson converted a 3-point play and Toralyn Fitzpatrick made a 3-pointer for a 41-31 lead with 14:18 remaining.
The lead grew to 49-35 after Anthony Collins made a jumper with 8:01 to go. The Panthers never seriously threatened after that.
First Published February 8, 2012 9:12 pm
