Athens, Ga. ? Pittsburgh coach Ben Howland would be more upset at the missing an opportunity to become No. 1 if Tuesday’s loss to Georgia were in April instead of December.

The Panthers wasted a chance to reach the top spot for the first time, losing to the Bulldogs, 79-67, as Ezra Williams scored 20 points.

Second-ranked Pittsburgh (9-1) never has led the Associated Press poll. The 1987-88 team also reached No. 2, the only other time the Panthers have been ranked that high.

No. 1 Alabama lost at Utah on Monday night, opening the way for Pitt to move up.

“I don’t think it was a big deal,” Howland said. “The good thing about college basketball is that there’s going to be a national champion that’s decided in the NCAA tournament. It’s not like football.”

It’s the second straight season the Bulldogs (8-3) have beaten a No. 2 team; they won 84-79 at Florida in January.

No. 19 Xavier 75, No. 15 Creighton 73

Cincinnati — David West scored a season-high 28 points, including a tiebreaking bank shot with four seconds left, as No. 19 Xavier (9-2) ended No. 15 Creighton’s best run in 60 years. Creighton (10-1) lost for the first time this season.

No. 17 Indiana 76, Ball State 62

Muncie, Ind. — Freshman Bracey Wright hit five three-pointers and tied a career high with 31 points as Indiana, coached by assistant John Treloar, beat Ball State. Hoosiers coach Mike Davis was serving a one-game suspension. Kyle Hornsby added 14 points, and Jeff Newton had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Indiana (9-2).

Big 12 Men

Nebraska 63, Eastern Washington 60

Lincoln, Neb. — Nate Johnson scored 10 straight points in the final three minutes to lead Nebraska (6-5).

ISU 90, Ark.-Pine Bluff 46

Ames, Iowa — Chris Alexander scored 25 points, 18 in the second half, and grabbed eight rebounds in his first extensive action of the season.

Big 12 Women

No. 25 CU 78, Syracuse 75, OT

Syracuse, N.Y. — Kate Fagan scored 22 points as Colorado rallied from a six-point deficit in the final 90 seconds of regulation to beat Syracuse.

Houston 87, Texas A&M 74

Houston — Chandi Jones scored 26 points and Angela Curl added 20 to lead Houston (7-3) past Texas A&M (7-3).