Despite Ryan Gomes' career high 33 points and a shot to win at the buzzer, Providence falls to 0-9 in the Big East Conference.

11:03 AM EST on Thursday, February 10, 2005

BY DANIEL CASCIATO
Special to the Journal

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. -- The Providence College men's basketball team's woes in the Big East continue last night as Jeff Parmer's 3-point attempt glanced off the rim at the buzzer, resulting in a 67-65 loss to the West Virginia Mountaineers at the WVU Coliseum.

AP photo

PC's Ryan Gomes, left, and West Virginia's Kevin Pittsnogle have their eyes on the same prize during the first half of last night's Big East contest.

The Friars (10-13, 0-9 Big East) set a school record with their 12th straight loss in Big East play dating back to last season. They're also one game away from tying their longest in-conference losing streak of 10 games set in 2000.

"When you play in the best conference in the country, playing close is not enough," said head coach Tim Welsh.

The win improves West Virginia's record to 14-7 overall and 4-6 in the Big East.

"I give a lot of credit to West Virginia," said Welsh. "They're not a one-man team. They have balance all the way around."

Friars senior forward Ryan Gomes scored a career-high 33 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the loss. He broke his previous mark of 32 points set against Villanova Feb. 5.

"This was a frustrating loss," said Gomes. "We keep giving our best effort out there and still end up losing by single digits. But we can't dwell on the what's happened. We have a few more games left and have to keep working hard."

Providence started the first half strong,

racing to a nine-point lead with 10:42 remaining. The Friars shot just 48.4 percent from the field in the first half as they trailed, 38-36. West Virginia started the second half with a 7-0 run, and stretched its lead to nine. But Gomes kept it close as he scored 20 points in the second half.

After Gomes tied the score at 58 with 5:38 left in the game, Mountaineer forward Tyrone Sally took over and scored eight consecutive points. A late flurry by Providence narrowed the score, as the Friars pulled within two with under a minute to go.

"I feel bad for Providence. Tim Welsh is a good friend," said Beilein. "And Gomes is incredible. I think he could play anywhere. He's very talented and we are very lucky to get a win without having an answer for him."

The Mountaineers doubled Gomes on the inside and left Palmer open at the top, but his 3-point attempt bounced off the rim.

"You have to play for the best shot in that situation," said Welsh. "They had Gomes locked up and we had Palmer wide open."

The Friars only had three free-throw opportunities to West Virginia's 21.

"That was the game right there," said Welsh. "When you get four more field goals than the other team on their home court, you are generally in good shape. But, you cant win when you're 21-3 at the free throw line."

Sally led West Virginia with 15 points -- 13 in the second half. He also grabbed five rebounds.