Pitt Panthers Cannot Complete Comeback Against Ranked Syracuse
Jan 19, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Brianna Kiesel (3) shoots on the court before playing the Syracuse Orange at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pitt Panthers women’s basketball team cut its deficit against #23/22 Syracuse to two points with 3:31 to play, however were unable to complete its comeback falling short by a 68-60 final.
Pitt (12-6, 2-3 ACC) was led by senior forward Monica Wignot who scored a game high 16 points while senior guard Brianna Kiesel had 14 points and eight assists. Freshman forward Yacine Diop had 12 points while fellow freshman forward Stasha Carey had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
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“This is a frustrating loss,” head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio said. “We had our chances down the stretch, but we made two bad turnovers and we didn’t defend like we needed to. During crunch time you have to make plays — Syracuse did and we didn’t.”
Syracuse (14-5, 4-2 ACC) had four in double figures led by guard Alexis Peterson (14 points, 5 assists) and Brianna Butler (14 points). Both guard Cornelia Fondren (13 points/10 rebounds) and Briana Day (11 points/10 rebounds) registered double-doubles in the contest.
The Orange scored the first five points of the game and continued to control the pace of the game taking an 15-8 with 13:56 to play in the first half. Pitt never led in the first half, however it trailed by one on several occasions. Syracuse out shot Pitt from the field 46.2 percent to 34.5 percent and took a 30-26 lead into the locker room at the half.
Syracuse led for almost the entire contest converting a three point basket nine seconds into the game. Pitt tied the game once again at 34 when Diop converted a jumper with 15:43 to play.
The Panthers took the lead for the first time when Wignot converted one of her four three point baskets. The advantage was 41-40 with 13:21 left in the contest. Wignot would convert another three to give Pitt its largest lead, at 46-44 with 12:17 to play.
With Syracuse leading 62-56, Diop converted two baskets which allowed Pitt to cut its deficit to two with 3:31 to play. The Panthers had their opportunities down four point. There was a sequence where they grabbed five offensive rebounds but could not score and handed control of the game back to the Orange. Pitt did not score in the final 3:31 of the game.
The Panthers will next face Boston College Saturday at 4 pm. The home contest also will serve as the annual Pink the Petersen event.