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The Pitt women’s basketball team hosted the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Petersen Events Center on Thursday night, and for the first time since Nov. 30, the Panthers recorded a win. The 53-48 outcome snapped a 12-game losing streak and gave Pitt its first ACC victory of the 2019-20 season.
Pitt guard Dayshanette Harris posted a game-high 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting to go with seven rebounds and three assists in a well-rounded effort. She was also at the center of Pitt’s comeback after the team fell behind by 12 points late in the third quarter, with the score at 37-25. Harris scored the first bucket in the effort to erase the deficit, driving to the basket past four Demon Deacons for a lay-up.
Dayshanette Harris heating up for the Panthers#H2P // #GoBeyond pic.twitter.com/ESshLRs4Sl
— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_WBB) January 31, 2020
The lay-up kicked off a 22-9 run by Pitt that ended with another big play by the native of Youngstown, Ohio, as she drained a go-ahead jumper that put the Panthers ahead 47-46 with 2:48 left to play. The Demon Deacons would fight back late, but the Panthers would not concede the lead again in the game.
Dayshanette Harris gives Pitt the lead!#H2P // #GoBeyond pic.twitter.com/W1rKigXISe
— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_WBB) January 31, 2020
In addition to Harris, the Panthers got solid performances out of Gabbie Green and Aysia Bugg, who each contributed 12 points to go with some much-needed three-pointers. Green had a 2-of-5 shooting night, making her Pitt’s most effective sharpshooter, and Bugg made one of five threes, with her lone triple preceding Harris’ go-ahead jumper.
With the win, Pitt not only snapped a 12-game losing streak extending back into non-conference play, but the team also ended a 10-game dry spell against ACC opponents dating back to Feb. 28, 2019. In addition, the Panthers improved their record to 4-16 on the season, while the Demon Deacons fell to 12-9.
Pitt will take the court at the Petersen Events Center again on Saturday for the second installment of a three-game homestand. Their opponents will be the Florida State Seminoles, Pitt head coach Lance White's old team, and tipoff is set for 5 p.m. ET.