Jan 19, 2002

Box Score

WASHINGTON (AP) - Jaron Brown scored off a tip-in with 8 seconds left, and Georgetown's Toby Hall missed a last-second 3-pointer to give Pittsburgh a 68-67 Big East victory on Saturday.

Julius Page led the Panthers with 18 points, while Georgetown's Mike Sweetney scored a game-high 24.

The Hoyas (11-6, 2-3) took a 67-66 lead with 43 seconds remaining when Sweetney hit the second of two free throws. Pittsburgh (16-3, 4-2) held the ball until the final second of the shot clock, creating an open 3-point attempt for Brendan Knight. The shot missed long and bounced to Brown, positioned under the basket for the winning score.

Then Hall's uncontested shot rattled in and out.

Pittsburgh led by as many as 17 points in the second half. The Panthers lead the nation in defense, holding opponents to an average of 56 points. Their 2-3 zone frustrated the Hoyas.

Georgetown shot just 36 percent and their leading perimeter shooter, Kevin Braswell, finished with just eight points.

With starting center Toree Morris and top reserve forward Ontario Lett in foul trouble, the Panthers received a huge boost from seldom-used Chevon Troutman. The 6-foot-7 forward had not played in the last four games and averages just 2.5 points. He started the second half Saturday, scored eight points, and was at the center of the Panthers' zone most of the game.

Troutman also took a charge with 10 minutes left, helping spark Pittsburgh's 17-5 second-half run.

The Hoyas used a 15-0 run toward the end of the first half to grab a 32-29 halftime lead.

The Panthers trailed by 11 at one juncture in the first half, but they cut into the lead with six straight free throws and a layup from Troutman before halftime.