Pitt-Gonzaga game in Okinawa canceled at halftime
CAMP FOSTER, Japan – The Armed Forces Classic between No. 9 Gonzaga and Pittsburgh was canceled at halftime because of slippery conditions on the court at Foster Field House on Okinawa.
Pittsburgh was leading 37-35 at halftime and the second half never got started.
“Out of an abundance of caution and after consultation with the officials, it was deemed appropriate to cancel this year’s game,” said Clint Overby of ESPN events, one of the agencies that staged and promoted the game.”
Foster Field House is one of 10 indoor facilities operating on Marine Corps bases on Okinawa by Marine Corps Community Services, none of which are air conditioned.
The three courts in the Foster Field House historically have been susceptible to slippery conditions due to condensation caused by humidity and rain. Showers hit Camp Foster early Saturday morning, which exacerbated the problem.
Ryan Luther gave the Panthers a 37-35 lead with a three-point play on a rebound with 5.4 seconds left in the half.
Michael Young had 11 points for Pittsburgh and Kyle Wiltjer had 15 for the Bulldogs.
West Virginia 107, Northern Kentucky 61: Jevon Carter scored 24 points to lead West Virginia past Northern Kentucky in a 107-61 win Friday night.
Daxter Miles Jr. added 19 points, while Devin Williams had 18 points plus 15 rebounds and Jonathan Holton had 14 points to go with 12 rebounds for the Mountaneers, which marked their 500th victory in their coliseum, which opened in 1970. Carter also had six assists and hit two 3-pointers.