Dec. 20, 2001

Box Score

Cancun, Mexico-Despite a career-high 33 points from junior Mandy Wittenmyer, the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team fell in a heartbreaker, 88-86, to Mississippi State in the Torneo Cancun de Basquetbol on Thursday evening. The Panthers fall to 3-7 on the year while the Lady Bulldogs improved to 7-2.

Wittenmyer connected on 15 of 19 shots from the field, including 8 of 10 in the second half. She also added eight boards.

Pittsburgh and Mississippi State were knotted at 34-34 at the half, and the Lady Bulldogs jumped out to an 11-point lead (47-36) early in the second half. However, the Panthers clawed their way back and eventually grabbed an 83-81 lead with 2:05 remaining in the contest.

The Lady Bulldogs managed to pull out the victory thanks to three clutch free throws by LaToya Thomas, who finished with 32 points and 13 rebounds.

Amy Kunich and Laine Selwyn added 13 points apiece for Pittsburgh, while Dallas Williams tallied 10 points and seven rebounds.

The Panthers play again on Dec. 22 against North Carolina State. Game time is slated for 3 p.m. CST.