BRADFORD, Pa. – The Pitt-Bradford men's basketball team suffered a 95-89 defeat to the Pitt-Greensburg Bobcats on Saturday afternoon at the KOA Arena.
Senior Tyler Fantaskey had his best performance of the season as he connected for 23 points and four rebounds. Fantaskey was 9-for-13 from the field, including 5-for-9 from three to lead all Panthers.
Sophomore Zach Smith finished the game with 19 points, seven rebounds (five defensive) and five assists. Smith was 4-for-5 from behind the arc. Senior Keith Burgess put together a solid performance as he tallied 17 points, one rebound and two assists. Junior Eric Matheson registered 14 points, one rebound and 12 assists, finishing 10-for-11 from the line.
Pitt-Bradford (3-4, 1-1) managed to overcome an early eight-point deficit built by the Bobcats, and went on to carry a 43-34 advantage into the locker room at halftime.
Fantaskey buried a three with 6:52 to go in the opening period that gave the Panthers the lead. Pitt-Greensburg (3-4, 3-0) squeaked out two ties before a late run with 1:38 to play had the Panthers comfortable at the break.
The Bobcats opened the second half by immediately cutting into Pitt-Bradford's lead with a layup 30 seconds in. The Panthers remained on top until a run by Pitt-Greensburg had the game tied with 14:04 to go.
The following bucket went in favor of the Bobcats as Marcus Thomas laid one in off the glass and Pitt-Bradford found itself trailing for the first time in the second period. Strong shooting however over the next several minutes had the Panthers back in front with 8:28 to play.
But the defense couldn't hold strong, and the Bobcats worked their way in front and this time didn't surrender the lead. Back-to-back free throws for Rocco Contristano with seven seconds remaining put the game out of reach for Pitt-Bradford, as Pitt-Greensburg stole the win.
The Panthers finished the game shooting 56.4 percent from the court, including 52.9 (9-for-17) percent from three. They were 18-for-22 from the line.
Pitt-Greensburg shot 52.9 percent and connected on 13-of-26 three pointers. The Bobcats were 28-for-33 from the stripe.
Pitt-Bradford returns to the court on Wednesday, Dec. 17. The Panthers host Wooster at 5 p.m. at the KOA Arena.
