PITTSBURGH — Ashton Gibbs and No. 4 Pittsburgh built a lead so big that Cincinnati just couldn't overcome it playing without its most talented player.

Gibbs had 18 of his career high-tying 25 points in the first half and the Panthers took advantage of the fact Cincinnati was playing without suspended forward Yancy Gates, beating the Bearcats 71-59 on Saturday night.

Led by Gibbs' hot first-half shooting, Pitt (21-2, 9-1) built a 46-23 advantage less than a minute into the second half before the Bearcats (18-5, 5-5) made a spirited late run.

“We really focused on a couple things offensively this week, and we really saw it pay off early,” Panthers coach Jamie Dixon said. “We took great shots and made shots and really put ourselves in a good position. It great to see us go out to that big lead.”

The Panthers have built a two-game lead in the Big East standings.

Larry Davis had 13 points to lead Cincinnati, which has lost five of eight after a 15-0 start. The Bearcats have lost 17 consecutive conference road games against ranked opponents.

Pitt was without reserve freshman forward Lamar Patterson, whom coach Jamie Dixon suspended in connection to being charged due to a December incident in Eastern Pennsylvania. The Panthers also did not have sophomore forward Dante Taylor because of a left knee injury.

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y .— Michael Davenport hit a 3-pointer with 3 seconds left and St. Bonaventure ended Duquesne's 11-game winning streak 64-62 on Saturday night.St. Bonaventure (12-10, 4-5 Atlantic 10) led 61-58 with 46 seconds to go, but two free throws by T.J. McConnell and a layup by B.J. Monteiro gave the Dukes a 62-61 lead with 11 seconds left.