In a slow-paced first half, the Georgetown Hoyas jumped ahead of the Pittsburgh Panthers and have a 31-23 halftime lead in the Big East Conference men's basketball tournament Wednesday afternoon.

Georgetown struggled with turnovers in the first 20 minutes, committing seven as a team. Henry Sims and Otto Porter combined for 17 of the Hoyas 31 points. Georgetown finished the first half on a 12-0 run.

Senior guard Ashton Gibbs led the way for Pittsburgh, shooting only 2 of 7 from the field but scoring nine points. Pitt's bench was a virtual non-factor, contributing just two points in the first half.

The winner will play Cincinnati in Thursday's quarterfinals. The Bearcats earned a double bye by finishing fourth in the Big East during regular season play.

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