The Pitt Panthers fought their way back into the game after trailing by double digits, but lost their sixth game in the last seven outings, falling to North Carolina State, 74-73.
Au’Diese Toney missed a driving layup after Pitt forced a turnover with nine seconds left, and Justin Champagnie’s desperation three after he chased down the loose ball was off the mark, giving the Wolfpack the win.
Pitt was hurt by three technical fouls, poor rebounding, but most of all by a lack of defensive intensity, as the Panthers gave up easy shots all game long. That allowed NC State to shoot 56.9 percent from the field.
Coach Jeff Capel says you can’t win if you don’t play defense.
Champagnie led Pitt with 18 points. Toney finished with 17 and Xavier Johnson scored 14, while getting whistled for two technicals.
Pitt will host 16th-ranked Florida State on Saturday afternoon at 4 on WCCS.
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