It was a familiar scenario for Pitt (12-17). Earlier this year against Syracuse, the Panthers held a one-point lead with less than 10 seconds left, only to have a shot blocked by LeRon Ellis and the Orangemen convert the turnover into a game-winning dunk of their own.
But this time it was Coleman who provided the heroics. In addition to the blocked dunk attempt, Coleman had seven rebounds and 14 points, including a leaning eight-footer with 18 seconds left that gave Syracuse a 56-55 lead.
"My teammates know I'm the go-to guy," he said.
As a result of Coleman's heroics, the Orangemen advance to today's second semifinal game against Villanova, the only team to sweep them during the regular season.
In a mild upset, the Wildcats, in desperate need of at least one, maybe two victories to earn an NCAA tournament invitation, overcame a seven-point second-half deficit to beat St. John's, 70-60.
"This was the key game for us," Villanova Coach Rollie Massimino said. "I feel a lot better right now."
Center Tom Greis led Villanova (18-13) with 16 points and six rebounds. St. John's (23-9) got 18 points from Malik Sealy.
