Big East run boosts Panthers in conference standings

With 0.4 seconds remaining in Pitt’s game against Syracuse on Saturday, senior Xenia Stewart… With 0.4 seconds remaining in Pitt’s game against Syracuse on Saturday, senior Xenia Stewart released the game-winning jumper for the Panthers in their 77-75 win over conference rival Syracuse. ‘I think that’s what you live for as coaches and players,’ said Pitt coach Agnus Berenato. ‘Everyone visualizes the win at the buzzer. It doesn’t get much better than that.’ The Orange trailed most of the game, but a 3-pointer by Syracuse’s Erica Morrow and a layup by Chandrea Jones tied the game with 19.7 seconds on the clock. Pitt called a timeout with 8.6 seconds in the game, and Syracuse players collapsed on Shavonte Zellous when play resumed, leaving Stewart open on the right wing to pull up and hit the buzzer-beating shot. Zellous assisted the shot and ended with 15 points and 6 assists overall. Stewart had 11 points for the night. Getting off to a shaky start against Big East competition, Pitt regrouped and recovered. Including the win over Syracuse, the Panthers are on a three game winning streak, 14-4 overall and 4-2 in the Big East. ‘After the loss, we had a week off and we were able to recover,’ said Berenato. ‘My staff puts together an excellent game plan, and the team is doing a tremendous job.’ Currently, No. 25-ranked Pitt is tied with Notre Dame for fourth in the Big East.’ According to Berenato, there’s no need to be concerned with the team’s losses. ‘I think the team was getting complacent, but a setback allows you to show your true colors,’ said Berenato. ‘It’s not about what happens to you, but how you respond is what matters.’ After the win over South Florida, the team had three tough away games lined up. With one road game left, the team proved it can compete. ‘A three-game road trip is hard,’ said Berenato. ‘Our players now know that every game is important, and we’re two-thirds of the way there.’ Being in the Big East, Pitt can’t get too comfortable. ‘There is no conference like the Big East,’ said Berenato. ‘We have a tough road ahead.’ Pitt will face Georgetown on the road this Tuesday, then play home games against Marquette and Notre Dame. Berenato said that planning and execution will be the most important thing for Pitt the rest of the way. ‘All of our focus is on Georgetown, and we’re going to stick to the game plan,’ she said.