Pitt returns to Verizon Center for first time since…yeah, that bad memory

Tuesday, 08 January 2013 14:37

Written by Ray Fittipaldo

Pitt will play at the Verizon Center for the first time since losing to Butler, 71-70, in third round of the 2011 NCAA tournament. For those who don’t want to relive that memory look away.

Gilbert Brown had a chance to send the Panthers to the Sweet 16 by making a free throw with 1.4 seconds on the clock, but he missed. Then, one of the biggest gaffes in tournament history happened. Nasir Robinson fouled Matt Howard going for the rebound with 0.8 seconds left on the clock.

Howard waltzed to the other end of the court, knocked down the first free throw (and purposefully missed the second) to send the Bulldogs to the Sweet 16 instead. They went on to play in the national championship game for a second consecutive season.

It was less than two years ago, but you might be surprised to know only three current players participated in that game. All three played in reserve roles off the bench.

Tray Woodall had five points and four assists in 17 minutes. Dante Taylor and Lamar Patterson played nine and eight minutes respectively and did not score.

Despite missing that free throw, Brown had one of the best games of his career. He scored a team-high 30points, but the Panthers had no answer for Butler’s Shelvin Mack, who scored 30.

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