Pitt ends losing streak, beats Providence 86-74

By Will Graves

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Jan. 25 2012 7:10 p.m. MST

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Pittsburgh's Nasir Robinson, left, makes a layup past Providence's Bryce Cotton during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, in Pittsburgh.

Keith Srakocic, Associated Press

Summary

Ashton Gibbs scored 22 points — including 14 straight during a late first-half run — as Pittsburgh beat Providence 86-74 on Wednesday night to end an eight-game losing streak.

PITTSBURGH — Ashton Gibbs scored 22 points — including 14 straight during a late first-half run — as Pittsburgh beat Providence 86-74 on Wednesday night to end an eight-game losing streak.

Trayvon Woodall added 17 points and nine assists in his second game back from groin and abdominal injuries as the Panthers (12-9, 1-7 Big East) won for the first time in five weeks.

Pitt, the defending conference champions, broke out of a five-week shooting slump thanks to Woodall. The junior point guard appeared 100 percent for the first time in nearly two months, pushing the tempo with ease as the Panthers ended their longest-ever losing streak in Big East play.

Vincent Council led the Friars (12-9, 1-7) with 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, but Providence lost its third straight by failing to adequately guard the worst shooting team in the conference.

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