The Lions improved to 10-14 overall, setting a new school record for wins in a season, and 8-9 in the AMCC. Penn State Altoona has twice had nine win seasons since its NCAA affiliation began in 1998 but never had eclipsed double digit victories.
With the visiting Bobcats leading by four (68-64) with four minutes and change remaining, Lenny Castor hit two big free throws with 2:35 left and, two minutes later, Quintin Dziabo converted the tying lay up with 36 ticks on the clock. Gasbarre picked off an errant Tim Gustin pass with seven seconds left and flew down the court, only to be fouled on the lay up attempt. After leaving the first free throw short, Gasbarre canned the second and a desperation half court shot by Greensburg's Rashad Davison fell short.
The Bobcats dropped to 2-22 overall and 2-15 in AMCC play.
With 12:21 remaining in the game and Altoona up 57-51, Pitt-Greensburg used a 15-2 run to turn the tables until the final seven minutes. After trailing 66-59 with 7:08 to play, the Lions finished the game on a 10-2 run to seal the deal and keep themselves alive for the conference playoffs beginning next week.
Altoona shot a blazing 60% from the field in the game and held a 41-39 advantage at intermission. The Lions led by as many as nine in the first half before Greensburg sliced the lead.
Quintin Dziabo was a force inside and pushed the Lions over the hump, scoring 24 points on 9-13 shooting. Teammate Colin Geiger scored 10 as ten different Lions registered at least nine minutes of court time.
Greensburg was fronted by Chris Strreet's 16 points that included four triples. Davison had 15 and Gustin had 14 in the losing effort.
Lion seniors Barry Minemyer and Tyler Franklin were honored before the opening tip as part of Senior Night.
Altoona is back in action Saturday and can clinch a playoff berth with a win at local rival Mount Aloysius. Tip time is 4 PM.