Takeaways from Pitt Basketball’s Season Opener
The Panthers overcame a slow start to defeat Youngstown State 74-59 on the opening night of the 2025 season. Although the game was not visually impressive, Pitt found ways to secure the win.
Frontcourt Dominance
Pitt leveraged its size advantage, converting 18 points off second-chance opportunities and adopting a gritty playing style to control the game.
Leadership from Cameron Corhen
Senior forward Cameron Corhen showcased his veteran leadership by playing 35 minutes and leading the team with 23 points and 12 rebounds. His steady presence helped stabilize the Panthers during a rocky offensive start.
Defensive Versatility from Papa Amadou Kante
Redshirt sophomore forward Papa Amadou Kante also made a strong impact, contributing 10 rebounds in 35 minutes. He demonstrated strong footwork and the ability to guard multiple types of players, adding depth to Pitt’s defense.
Contributions from Newcomers
- First-year guard Omari Witherspoon and first-year forward Roman Siulepa showed some tentative moments but still contributed.
- Witherspoon made a difficult mid-range jumper, and Siulepa recorded a highlight-worthy block.
- Both players had two turnovers each, highlighting the challenges of adapting to major minutes immediately in a competitive conference like the ACC.
“It is a challenge to play major minutes off the bat, especially in a conference like the ACC.”
Author’s summary: Pitt’s frontcourt leadership and defensive versatility helped the Panthers overcome early struggles and secure a gritty win to open their 2025 basketball season.
More News
- Driven adjective - meaning, pronunciation, and idiomatic use explained
- Radiohead cancel concerts as Thom Yorke undergoes treatment
- The Driven: Australia’s Leading Electric Vehicle News Source
- World champion Zhao Xintong begins UK Championship campaign with confident victory
- Basic-Fit Shares Climb 4% at Close, Driven by Upward Momentum
- Nigeria’s Economy Expands by 3.98% in Q3, Boosted by Non-Oil Sector
- Gold Prices Near Diwali Record as Fed Rate-Cut Hopes Boost Demand
- Shah Rukh Khan’s Million Dollar Advice To Delhi Groom: ‘Just Do What She Says, And Life Will Be...’
- Radiohead postpone Copenhagen concerts after Thom Yorke's throat issues
- A Data-Driven Framework for Influencer Marketing Success