Freshman Talib Zanna had 14 points and 13 rebounds, including a key tip-in with 57 seconds remaining, as No. 4 Pittsburgh held off Maryland, 79-70, in the first game of a doubleheader in the 2K Sports Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The Panthers face the winner of Illinois-Texas, which squared off in the second game, in Friday's championship at 7 p.m., while the Terrapins play the loser in the consolation matchup at 5 p.m.

Neither team led by more than four in the first half, with Lamar Patterson's 3-pointer giving the Panthers a 31-27 halftime edge. It looked like Pitt might run away after pushing the lead to 42-29, but Maryland clawed to within 49-46 with 12 minutes remaining.

Zanna's putback was the only field goal in the last six minutes for Pitt.

Cliff Tucker scored 17 points and Jordan Williams added 14 for Maryland.

Both squads entered boasting 3-0 records, having not left their home courts, and each survived a scare. The Panthers were tested in a season-opening 83-75 win over Rhode Island, and Maryland needed a last-second jumper to beat College of Charleston, 75-74, on Nov. 10.