Pitt women’s basketball upends Wake Forest 53-48

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.

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.

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.