The Pitt men's basketball team secured a season-opening victory against Youngstown State with a final score of 74-59 on Monday night at the Petersen Events Center. This marks Pitt's fourth consecutive season-opening win, while Youngstown State fell to 0-1 early in the 2025-26 campaign.
Youngstown State held the lead during the initial stages, but Pitt gained their first lead at 20-19 following a three-point play by Cameron Corhen. Although the Penguins responded with a 6-0 run, the Panthers increased their defensive effort and took control.
In the last 5 minutes and 34 seconds of the first half, Youngstown State managed only 1-of-7 shooting and committed three turnovers. Pitt capitalized on this with a 14-3 run to enter halftime ahead 34-28.
“Corhen connected on a three-pointer that put the Panthers ahead for good at 30-28, while Damarco Minor closed the period with the final four points – two from the free-throw line and two on a contested baseline jumper.”
In the second half, Pitt expanded their lead to double digits. Despite a six-point run by Youngstown State narrowing the gap to 54-50, Pitt responded strongly. Nojus Indrusaitis scored two free throws, followed by a jumper from Minor, then a dunk that pushed the Panthers’ lead back to 10 points.
The Panthers showcased solid defense and consistent scoring to earn a strong start to the season.