35 Countdown: 2003
Feb. 28, 2014
A stifling defense that held foes under 60 points per game carried Pittsburgh to the 2003 BIG EAST title.
The Panthers beat Connecticut 74-56 in a rematch of the 2002 final. In the quarterfinals Pittsburgh overcame Providence 67-57 and dominated Boston College 61-48 in the semifinals.
Tough-minded swingman Julius Page keyed Pittsburgh’s stingy defense and won the Dave Gavitt Trophy. Brandin Knight ran the Panthers offense and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
The Huskies placed Ben Gordon and Emeka Okafor on the All-Tournament Team that was rounded out with Craig Smith of Boston College and Carmelo Anthony of Syracuse.