Hiram, Oh. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's basketball returned to the floor on Wednesday, as they traveled to Hiram for an away matchup with the Terriers. The Panthers were able to erase an early 15-point deficit but fell just short of victory as they fell at the buzzer 82-81.
The Panthers got off to an extremely slow start, as Hiram jumped out to an immediate 15-3 lead. The Panthers were only able to score on a Nathan Schneider free throw and a BJ Williams layup over the first 5 minutes of play. Pitt-Bradford began their comeback with three more Schneider free throws and a Gavyn Mason layup.
Down 7 with 7 minutes to go, Schneider made a midrange jumper and Phillip Wallace made a basket inside to cut the lead to three. After a Hiram basket, Jeremy Rodriguez scored 7 quick points to put the Panthers ahead. He made a jump shot and then converted a three-point play after a Wallace blocked shot to even the game. He then was able to steal the ball away from the Terriers and race downcourt for another layup. After a pair of Hiram free throws tied the game at 28, the Panthers scored 5 straight on a Wallace putback and a Caden Beldin three. The terriers were able to add a final basket in the final seconds to send the game to the half with the Panthers leading 33-30.
Pitt-Bradford came out firing after the break, as they were able to extend their lead to 8 points in just 90 seconds. Schneider made back-to-back baskets to start the half, and after a Hiram layup, Lennon Lindholm made a three to give the PAntehrs a 40-32 lead. The hosts responded, outscoring the Panthers 14-6 over the next 6 minutes to tie the game at 46.
The Panthers were able to hold off the Terrier charge for the next 5 minutes, as Wallace made three baskets, but Hiram retook the lead with 5 straight points at the 7-minute mark. Wallace and Gus Napoleon hit threes to keep the Panthers within a possession, but another 7-point run from Hiram saw the hosts go ahead by 8. Pitt-Bradford kept the deficit at 5 through layups by Williams, Napoleon, and Schneider.
BJ Williams drove to the basket and converted a layup to put the Panthers down three with a minute to go. After a timeout, Napoleon was able to steal the ball from Hiram and pass ahead to Rodriguez who cut the lead to 1 on the fast break. The freshman then made a huge play for the Panthers, picking the pocket of a Terrier guard at halfcourt, and racing to the basket to make a layup and take an 81-80 lead with 15 seconds to go. Hiram was able to come back and make an inside basket of their own to set up a thrilling finish. With 6 seconds remaining, the Panthers got the ball to Schneider, who drove to the basket and got a shot up through contact. The shot just rolled off the rim, but Schneider was fouled on the play with under a second left. Unfortunately, he was unable to convert on either free throw, seeing both attempts rim out to finish the game.
Schneider finished the game with 22 points to lead the Panthers. He also had a team-high 9 rebounds. Phillip Wallace finished with 16 points and added 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocked shots. BJ Williams also reached double figures, making 5-9 from the field to finish with 12 points. Jeremy Rodriguez scored 11 off the bench and had 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.
The Panthers fall to 1-3 with the tough loss. They will look to end their three-game losing skid on Friday, as they return to KOA Arena to host the Wells Express. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.
