Pitt men’s basketball: A season in review

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

March 18, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Through the highs and lows of the Pitt men’s basketball season, one important thing was evident in the end — progress.

Highs and lows of Pitt’s time in the tournament

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

March 18, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns

With no Pitt basketball to look forward to, we can only look back — so let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on the highs and lows of Panther tournament yore.

Orange end Pitt’s season in ACC Tournament second round, 73-59

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

March 14, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

A historic shooting performance from senior guard Jared Wilson-Frame wasn’t enough to contend with the Orange’s suffocating length and the young Panthers were sent packing.

Panthers prevail in first round of ACC Tournament, 80-70

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

March 13, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Pitt men’s basketball and its duo of first-year stars opened the 2019 ACC Tournament in dominating fashion, beating Boston College 80-70 Tuesday night in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Panthers look to make splash in ACC Tournament

By Ben Bobeck, Staff Writer

March 11, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Barring a miracle of unprecedented proportion, the Pitt men’s basketball team will not be dancing come NCAA Tournament time this March.

Pitt snaps 13-game losing streak on senior day, 56-53

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

March 9, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

While the Panthers' three seniors started the game, their young stars came up clutch down the stretch as the team pulled out its third ACC win in ugly, gutty fashion.

Free throw woes doom Pitt in 76-63 loss at Miami

By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer

March 6, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Turnovers, poor free throw shooting and bad rebounding prevented Pitt from coming out on top at Miami and the Panthers lost their 13th straight game.

Keeping up with Pitt’s recruiting trail

By Tyler Moran, Staff Writer

March 1, 2019

Filed under Football, Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

The Pitt News teamed up with Pitt Recruiting to bring you all the recruiting information you need to know to keep up with Pitt Athletics.

Pitt continues losing streak in 62-48 loss to Clemson

By Alex Lehmbeck, Staff Wrtier

February 28, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Pitt Men’s Basketball team shot 23.8 percent from the field in the first half, where they managed to only score 16 points. The lack of offense led to a 62-48 loss to Clemson, Pitt’s 11 straight loss.

Tim O’Toole: Different ways to skin a cat

By Cale Berger, Staff Writer

February 27, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Features

On his path to becoming a presence on Pitt’s sidelines, associate head coach Tim O’Toole picked up some advice from the two winningest coaches in the business, Mike Krzyzewski and Jim Boeheim.

Top moments from Pitt men’s basketball so far

By Kate Hall, Staff Writer

February 22, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Though fans haven’t celebrated a win in more than a month, the Pitt men’s basketball team has still provided moments worth cheering for.

Panthers lose 22nd-straight road game at GT, 73-65

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

February 21, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Plagued by a season-worst performance at the foul line, the Panthers fell 73-65 to bring their road losing streak to 22 games.

No. 22 Hokies hand Pitt basketball ninth straight loss

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

February 17, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Pitt men’s basketball continued its struggles in ACC play Saturday afternoon, falling 70-64 to No. 22 Virginia Tech at the Petersen Events Center.

Capel adds second 2019 recruit in Karim Coulibaly

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

February 16, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Jeff Capel added another much-needed recruit Friday morning in power forward Karim Coulibaly.

Boston College deals Pitt 18th straight ACC road loss, 66-57

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

February 13, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Pitt produced its worst shooting game of the season, making 29 percent of its shots en route to a 21st consecutive road loss.

Four-star basketball recruit Gerald Drumgoole commits to Pitt

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

February 12, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

As a 6-foot-6, 200-pound small forward with a sweet shooting stroke, Drumgoole should help the Panthers as soon as next year.

NC State overcomes Pitt late, 79-76

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

February 10, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Pitt men’s basketball welcomed NC State to the Petersen Events Center Saturday afternoon and walked away with its seventh straight loss, falling to the Wolfpack 79-76.

Demon Deacons possess Pitt, 78-76, in overtime heartbreaker

By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer

February 6, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

In a game that saw 10 ties and seven lead changes, the Demon Deacons made clutch plays at the right times to deal Pitt its sixth straight loss.

Pitt cedes to Syracuse for second time, 65-56

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

February 3, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Pitt fell 65-56 to the Orange, extending the team’s losing streak to five games.

Clemson’s hot shooting deals Pitt fourth straight loss, 82-69

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

January 30, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Clemson drained six of its first seven 3-pointers to put the game away early, leading to an 82-69 final score.

Pitt scores season low in 66-51 loss to No. 23 Louisville

By Stephen Thompson and Trent Leonard

January 27, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Pitt fell back to earth in Saturday’s rematch, shooting just 35.2 percent from the field in a 66-51 loss at No. 23 Louisville.

First-year phenoms lead Duke past Pitt, 79-64

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

January 23, 2019

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports

Three of Jeff Capel’s most widely known recruits from the past year were the leading scorers in Tuesday night’s men’s basketball matchup versus No. 2 Duke.

Pitt vs. Duke at Halftime

January 22, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Visual

Photos By: Thomas Yang | Assistant Visual Editor ...

Syracuse stifles Pitt men’s basketball, 74-63

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

January 19, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

After being down by as many as 20 in the second half, the Panthers clawed back to make it a single digit game before ultimately falling 74-63.

Column: Pitt basketball’s rebuild is ahead of schedule

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

January 16, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns

It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Pitt basketball, but a nationally relevant defense and a couple star-caliber talents have the Panthers ahead of schedule.

Pitt upsets No. 11 Florida State 75-62

By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer

January 15, 2019

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports

First-year Trey McGowens notched his second 30 point game of his career in Pitt’s upset over Florida State on Monday night.

No. 15 NC State narrowly escapes with 86-80 win over Pitt

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

January 12, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Panthers played exceptionally for most of the game, but made a few little mistakes that cost them what would have been a monumental second straight ACC win.

Pitt ends ACC losing streak with 89-86 overtime win over Louisville

By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor

January 10, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Pitt guard Trey McGowen broke a 39-year record and Pitt ended a 690 day losing streak on Wednesday night in its 89-86 win over Louisville.

Looking ahead at Pitt basketball’s ACC schedule

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

January 9, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

If the Panthers win just one of their next 17 games, it will be an improvement over last season, when they went winless in conference play for the first time ever.

UNC slams Pitt, 85-60, in ACC opener

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

January 5, 2019

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

The Panthers battled briefly with the No. 15 team in the country before ultimately falling 85-60.

Mountaineers maul Pitt in Backyard Brawl, 69-59

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

December 8, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Facing off against a team known for its suffocating defense, the young Panthers’ inexperience was on full display in a 69-59 loss to West Virginia Saturday afternoon in the 186th edition of the Backyard Brawl.

Pitt drops close contest to Niagara, 71-70

By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer

December 4, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

After being held scoreless for the first three minutes of their game on Monday, the Panthers lost their first game of the season at home on Monday night. Pitt tried to rally in the final second of the game, but it wasn't enough and Niagara won 71-70.

Panthers handle Duquesne in City Game, 74-53

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

November 30, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

For the second straight year and 19th time in the past 21 meetings, the Pitt men’s basketball took down its crosstown rival Duquesne, 74-53, in the annual City Game Friday night at PPG Paints Arena.

Panthers show promise in 69-68 loss to Iowa

By Michael Nitti, Staff Writer

November 28, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Playing against the Iowa Hawkeyes as part of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, the upstart Panthers led by six at halftime and took their ranked opponent right down to the wire in a back-and-forth affair.

Panthers overcome UNA, 71-66, to win fifth straight

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

November 18, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Pitt men’s basketball is off to its best start in the three years after beating North Alabama 71-66 at the Petersen Events Center Saturday afternoon to improve to 5-0 in the young season.

Wilson-Frame, Toney Lead Panthers Past UCA Bears 97-71

By Andrew Kelly and Stephen Thompson

November 16, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Pitt Basketball is already week of last year’s team in terms of wins. The Panthers won their fourth game, a 97-71 win over the University of Central Arkansas, on Nov., 15. Last year, the Panthers didn’t win their fourth game until Dec. 1.

Pitt remains undefeated with 84-75 win over Troy

By Trent Leonard and Stephen Thompson

November 13, 2018

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports

From the high scoring offense to the smothering defense, Pitt Men’s Basketball once again showed its not the same team as last year when it beat Troy 84-75 on Monday. You can read the full recap of last night’s game here.

Unproven Panthers show drastic improvement

By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer

November 12, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns

The Pitt men's basketball team looks great when you compare this Pitt team to where last year’s team was at this point. The 2017 Panthers started out 0-2, losing to the similarly low-level squads of Navy and Montana.

First-year guards lead Pitt past Penguins, 69-53, in opener

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

November 6, 2018

Filed under 3. Breaking, Men's Basketball, Sports

First-year guards Trey McGowens and Xavier Johnson led the Panthers with 17 and 16 points, respectively, and the Panthers scored 27 fast-break points en route to a comfortable 16-point victory.

Preview: Men’s team can only go up from 2017

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor

November 5, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Even if the new-look Panthers only win one ACC game this season, it will still be an improvement over 2017's disastrous campaign.

Panthers to push the pace under new coach Capel

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

November 5, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Capel and his new coaching staff stressed strength and stamina. He wants his Pitt teams to play in the same mold of his teams at Oklahoma — force turnovers, get out in transition and play fast.

Ellison to lead Pitt despite hiatus

By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Editor

November 5, 2018

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports

Malik Ellison doesn’t count last Thursday’s exhibition game as his first real game, he’s looking forward to tomorrow. It may have been over a year since he last stepped on the court to play in a regular season game, but the captain isn’t nervous, in fact, he’s more confident than ever.

Men’s basketball pounces on Pitt-Johnstown, 78-59, in opening exhibition

By Trent Leonard and Andrew Kelly

November 2, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The Pitt men’s basketball team kicked off its season in dominant fashion Thursday night, beating the branch-campus Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cats 78-59 in an exhibition opener at the Petersen Events Center.

Capel will prevail on recruiting trail

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer

November 1, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

When Jeff Capel was announced as Pitt’s 16th men’s basketball coach this offseason, his aptitude as a recruiter was highlighted as one of his biggest strengths — especially appealing for a Panther squad facing an uphill battle to rebuild after going winless in the ACC.

Capel’s first year means improvement, not victory

By Cale Berger, Staff Writer

August 26, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns

Pitt's hiring of Jeff Capel brought excitement and hope to the men's basketball program — but fans should temper expectations in year one.

Big changes bring big hopes for men’s basketball team

By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer

August 20, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Welcome Back 2018

Pitt is competing in one of the toughest conferences in men's college basketball, and new head coach Jeff Capel is doing everything to ensure the team is prepared.

Capel’s first year means improvement, not victory

By Cale Berger, Staff Writer

August 20, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns, Welcome Back 2018

Jeff Capel's impact on the men's basketball program is notable — but the Pitt community shouldn't expect his first team to take the college basketball world by storm.

Pitt basketball secures 4-star guard Au’Diese Toney

By Hannah Schneider | Sports Editor

June 2, 2018

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports

Jeff Capel landed another highly rated recruit when Au’Diese Toney verbally committed to Pitt today — joining Xavier Johnson, Curtis Aiken and Trey McGowens in Pitt’s class of 2018. Committed pic.twitter.com/U08k1gsDaF — A.M.T (@thefuturetoney) June 2, 2018 The Fayetteville, North Carolina nat...

Players with promise: Capel welcomes 3 top-100 athletes to Pitt

By Tessa Sayers | For The Pitt News

May 30, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The first things Trey McGowens noticed were the bridges. He had never been to Pittsburgh before — but everyone in Pittsburgh already knew who he was. Just 28 days after Jeff Capel was named the head coach of Pitt’s men’s basketball team in late March, he was about to officially sign McGowens, Pitt�...

Aiken basketball legacy to continue at Pitt

By Joanna Li | Staff Writer

May 4, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

The Panthers men’s basketball team secured a legacy talent Thursday night when North Allegheny High School senior Curtis Aiken Jr. verbally committed to Pitt via Twitter. ✅ pic.twitter.com/o7KDwZkQec — Curtis Aiken Jr. (@caiken_14) May 4, 2018 Aiken will join the team next season as a preferred walk-on, meanin...

Pitt gains first top-100 basketball recruit since 2013

By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer

April 24, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

The Pitt men’s basketball team received its first verbal commitment of the 2018-2019 recruiting season today at noon when four-star recruit Trey McGowens announced his commitment to the Panthers via Twitter. McGowens, a senior 6-foot-3 guard at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., chose Pitt...

Luther leaves Pitt

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

April 19, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The Pitt men’s basketball team got an answer to one of its biggest roster questions heading into next season on Wednesday night. Graduate forward Ryan Luther will be transferring to Arizona for the 2018-19 season, according to reports. Luther leaves a big absence in the Panthers’ already-depleted ...

Capel rounds out assistant coaching staff with hiring of Milan Brown

By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor

April 17, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

New men’s basketball head coach Jeff Capel has officially rounded out his immediate coaching staff with the hiring of a third full-time assistant, according to a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Capel hired College of Charleston assistant coach Milan Brown to join associate head coaches Tim O’Toole and Jason Capel, both of whom Pitt hired as assistant coaches last we...

Q&A: Jeff Capel looks to rebuild Pitt basketball

By David Leftwich / Senior Staff Writer

April 17, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

After arguably one of the worst seasons in Pitt men’s basketball history, and facing the potential exodus of nearly half of last year’s roster, the program needed to make a change — so Athletic Director Heather Lyke hired Jeff Capel in March as head coach to bring the program back to prominence. The Pitt News sat down with Capel to discuss his transition from the Blue Devils to the Panthers, his ...

Capel hires Tim O’Toole, Jason Capel as assistant coaches

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

April 12, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Pitt men’s basketball coach Jeff Capel hired his brother, Jason Capel, and Tim O’Toole to be assistants on his staff, according to reports Wednesday.   https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/984087393371328513   O’Toole joins Pitt after spending the last two seasons as an a...

ACC releases 2018 basketball matchups

By Jordan Mondell and Trent Leonard | TPN Staff

April 10, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Top Stories

Jeff Capel and his new squad got a glimpse of their upcoming season Tuesday as the ACC announced conference matchups for the 2018-19 men’s basketball season. Pitt — who will be entering the season with Capel as head coach — will take on every team in the conference. Last season, the team went ...

Parker Stewart announces decision to transfer

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

April 6, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

First-year Pitt guard Parker Stewart announced via Twitter on Friday that he will be transferring from the Pitt basketball program. Stewart — who was also the first Pitt player to request his release from the program after the firing of former head coach Kevin Stallings — is the only player of the nine that requested their releases to ...

Column: College sports deserve diverse leadership

By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor

April 1, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns

Not only is Pitt’s new men’s basketball head coach Jeff Capel a star recruiter and successful tournament coach, he brings something to Pitt that the program has never seen before. Diversity. Specifically, Capel — a black man — is the first-ever head coach of any minority status to oversee ...

Capel is more than capable

By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer

March 29, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Just when it looked like Pitt would be left out in the late March cold without a head coach, Athletic Director Heather Lyke, unlike her predecessor, made a bold decision. Lyke hired Duke assistant coach Jeff Capel Tuesday — 17 days after firing Kevin Stallings. Capel’s hiring comes as a pleasant...

Pitt introduces Jeff Capel as new head basketball coach

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

March 28, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke introduced Jeff Capel as the next men’s basketball coach during a ceremony at the Petersen Events Center Wednesday. The gym floor was packed with University students and staff, including Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, women’s head basketball coach Suzie McConnell-Ser...

Stevenson, Wilson-Frame plan to stay at Pitt

By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor

March 27, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Two Pitt men’s basketball players who requested release from the program upon the firing of head coach Kevin Stallings are staying with program after Pitt hired Duke’s Jeff Capel Tuesday. According to a post on Instagram, first-year guard Shamiel Stevenson has no plans to leave the program, s...

Pitt hires Jeff Capel as men’s basketball head coach

By Jordan Mondell / Assistant Sports Editor

March 27, 2018

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports

Duke assistant coach Jeff Capel has been hired as Pitt’s new head men’s basketball coach, the University announced Tuesday. Capel has made a deal with the Panthers on a seven-year contract. This hiring ends a long, rumor-filled search for Pitt after former head coach Kevin Stallings’ ousting Mar...

‘Stallings 2.0:’ Fans react to Pitt’s reported interest in Mark Schmidt

By John Hamilton / Managing Editor

March 23, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

St. Bonaventure men's basketball coach Mark Schmidt interviewed for the vacant Pitt job Thursday, according to multiple reports. Days after learning Pitt offered Dan Hurley $3 million for the job, fans were underwhelmed -- to say the least -- that Pitt is considering Schmidt. https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/977230454217723904 https://twitter.co...

Column: Don’t cry for Dan Hurley

By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer

March 23, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories

Heather Lyke pushed in all the chips — in excess of $3 million a year — to get Rhode Island’s Dan Hurley to be the new head coach of the Pitt men's basketball team. But Hurley chose to stay in New England, accepting Connecticut's offer, reported to be less than Pitt’s, Thursday. Both teams showed their hands, and the Huskies’ was better — there’s no shame in...

Hurley takes coaching job at UConn, Pitt’s search continues

By John Hamilton / Managing Editor

March 22, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Update: Hurley took the coaching job at the University of Connecticut, the school confirmed Thursday.  Athletic Director Heather Lyke wants to make Dan Hurley one of the highest paid coaches in college basketball. According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Pitt has offered the Rhode Island coach more th...

Pitt men’s basketball future up in the air

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

March 20, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The dominoes have started to fall after a tumultuous weekend for the Pitt men’s basketball team, which saw nine current players and two recruits request releases from the program. First-year guard Marcus Carr became the second Pitt player to be granted his release from the program Monday night. H...

Pitt grants Marcus Carr release from program

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

March 19, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

First-year point guard Marcus Carr became the second player from the Pitt men’s basketball team to be officially granted his release from the program on Monday night, according to reports from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Carr joins junior guard and forward Jared Wilson-Frame, who was granted his...

Report: seven Pitt basketball players request release from program

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

March 16, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Seven players from the Pitt men’s basketball team have requested their release from the program, according to a report from ESPN. The Panthers have now received nine total requests for release from either current players or committed recruits since the firing of former men’s basketball coach Kevin Sta...

Parker Stewart requests release from Pitt

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

March 14, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Pitt first-year men’s basketball player Parker Stewart has asked for his full unconditional release Wednesday, according to a report from ESPN. Stewart — who averaged 9.1 points per game this past season and who was emerging as a reliable contributor — asked for the reported release less than a week after for...

Column: When it comes to Stallings’ firing, the blame should be shared

By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer

March 14, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns

In a time of uncertainty for Pitt basketball, one thing is for sure — former head coach Kevin Stallings’ tenure will go down in Panther history as an unmitigated disaster. In two years, the widely criticized coach managed to win just four conference games, go winless in the ACC during the 20...

Column: Potential picks for Stallings’ successor

By Colin Martin | Staff Writer

March 14, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns

Pitt men’s basketball and the athletic administration are officially on the quest for a new head coach to replace Kevin Stallings. The mission is straightforward — find the perfect person to rejuvenate the program and return Pitt to its status as a basketball school. Just like any hiring proces...

Fans, players react to Stallings’ firing

By Grant Burgman and Jordan Mondell | TPN Staff

March 12, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

The firing of Pitt men’s basketball head coach Kevin Stallings didn’t come as a surprise to many fans and pundits. After a record-breaking losing season for the Panthers — going 8-25 overall and 0-19 in the ACC — a change of leadership was more than expected. But between reports of contentious contract ...

A year of firsts: Young team works to make change

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

March 12, 2018

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Features

Pitt first-year guard Marcus Carr is no stranger to rookie success. As a first-year at St. Michaels in his native Toronto, Carr once scored a season-high 49 points in one game — and was instrumental in leading his team to the quarterfinals of the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association...

Season in review: Men’s team has campaign to forget

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

March 12, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Well, it’s finally over. The Pitt men’s basketball season came to a close last Tuesday with a 67-64 loss to Notre Dame in the first round of the ACC tournament, and the 2017-18 Panthers are now history — albeit for not-so-great reasons. Pitt finished the season with an overall record of 8-25 inc...

Players to watch during the tournament

By Cale Berger | Staff Writer

March 12, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Uncategorized

Each year the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament provides an opportunity for players to breakout on a national stage. College basketball legends like Christian Laettner, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Shabazz Napier have all etched their names in history with their performances at the big d...

Slept on: 4 tournament teams you shouldn’t count out

By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer

March 12, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns

Sleeper teams are the best part of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. Some will destroy your bracket, but if you bet big on the right school you may end up celebrating as much as the eventual champions. If there is one thing guaranteed about the tournament, it’s that nothing abou...

Photos: Kevin Stallings’ tumultuous two years at Pitt

By TPN Visual Staff

March 11, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Visual

Pitt fired men's basketball coach Kevin Stallings Thursday, ending his short, tumultuous tenure with the Panthers. Details of his buyout are still cloudy, but it's clear that Stallings will no longer be cheering and yelling from the Pitt bench. Here's a chronological look back at Stallings' two-year career at Pitt from The Pitt News' photo sta...

Uncertainty surrounds Stallings buyout

By Jordan Mondell and John Hamilton | TPN Staff

March 9, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Pitt Athletics announced Thursday that Kevin Stallings would no longer be Pitt’s men’s basketball coach, but details regarding his multi-million dollar buyout are still unclear. Stallings’ lawyers, Scott Tompsett and Jim Lieber of Tompsett Collegiate Sports Law, said Friday that Pitt offere...

Stallings out as Pitt men’s basketball coach

By Grant Burgman / Sports Editor

March 8, 2018

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports

Pitt has fired men’s basketball coach Kevin Stallings, according to multiple reports, ending the coach’s tenuous two-year stint with the Panthers. Pitt confirmed the news later Thursday, with Athletic Director Heather Lyke thanking Stallings for his "commitment to our program." The news comes on the heels of a season that saw the Panthers go 0-18 in ACC pl...

Panthers fall to Irish in ACC tournament, finish 0-19 in ACC

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

March 6, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

For the second time in two weeks, the Pitt men’s basketball team made history in a loss to Notre Dame. The Panthers became the seventh team in history to go winless in the ACC after a losing to the Irish last week. They followed that up with a 67-64 loss to the Irish in the ACC tournament to become...

Imperfect Panthers: Pitt goes 0-18 in ACC

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

March 1, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The Pitt men’s basketball team dropped its final game of the regular season Wednesday night at Notre Dame (18-12 overall, 8-9 ACC), 73-56, giving the Panthers a winless 0-18 record in the ACC and an 8-23 record overall. The loss gave the Panthers their first ever winless season in conference play, whil...

No. 1 Virginia vanquishes Pitt, 66-37, in last home game of the season

By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer

February 24, 2018

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports

The No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers secured their third ACC regular season title in the last five years Saturday afternoon. The Panthers also continued to set records, extending their losing streak to 17 in a loss against the best team in the nation. Despite low attendance this season, fans filled the lower leve...

Gallery: No. 1 Virginia hands Pitt 17th straight loss

By John Hamilton / Managing Editor

February 24, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories, Visual

While the No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers secured their 3rd outright ACC regular-season title in the last five years on Saturday afternoon, the Panthers also continued to make history books — extending their losing record streak to 17 in a loss against the best team in the nation. Despite low attendance...

Demon Deacons dunk on Panthers, 63-57

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

February 22, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

In a game where neither team led by more than seven points, the Pitt men’s basketball team battled fellow ACC bottom-dweller Wake Forest Wednesday but couldn’t convert enough opportunities down the stretch and suffered its 16th straight loss, 63-57. A home game against the Wake Forest Demon De...

Seminoles smother Panthers, 88-75

By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer

February 18, 2018

Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports

For the fifth straight time this season, the Pitt men’s basketball set a school record — this time after an 88-75 road loss to Florida State on Sunday — extending the team’s record losing streak to 15. This time, the Panthers (8-20 overall, 0-15 ACC) kept it close — leading the Seminoles (19-8...

Boston College blows out Pitt, 81-58

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

February 14, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The Pitt men’s basketball team entered Tuesday night’s game with the same goal as the previous 12 — to get a conference win and avoid being winless in the ACC. Boston College — who went winless in the ACC back in 2016 — had other plans as they beat Pitt 81-58 in front of a paltry crowd at ...

With Louisville loss, Panthers drop third straight by 30-plus

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

February 11, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The last time the Pitt men’s basketball team played Louisville, Pitt head coach Kevin Stallings made headlines for yelling at a Louisville fan in the midst of a blow-out loss. This time around, Stallings stayed out of trouble — but the result was the same, as Pitt fell to Louisville 94-60. Pi...

Tigers thrash Panthers, 72-48

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

February 8, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

In the last game of it three-game road trip, the Pitt men’s basketball team once again suffered a blowout loss to an in-conference opponent. No. 16 Clemson beat Pitt, 72-48, and brought the team’s already-historic losing streak to 12 games. After shooting 39 percent from the field and coughing up 16 turn...

Panthers fall to Tar Heels, 96-65, set losing streak record

By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor

February 3, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

The Pitt men’s basketball team struggled against No. 19 North Carolina Saturday night, but the Panthers didn’t leave Chapel Hill entirely empty-handed, taking home the record for longest losing streak in program history. Beating 10-game losing bouts during 1968-69 and 1992-93 seasons, the Panthers ...

Panthers swept away by Hurricanes, 69-57

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

February 1, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The Pitt men’s basketball team continued its trend of poor play late in games Wednesday night at Miami. As in their previous two contests, the Panthers held a lead in the latter part of the second half, but they failed to maintain that lead and fell to the Hurricanes, 69-57. With Miami’s (16-5 ...

Panthers drop ninth straight, lose to Syracuse, 60-55

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

January 27, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The Pitt men’s basketball team seemed closer than ever to winning its first ACC game of the season after Wednesday’s close loss to NC State. The Panthers came into Saturday’s home game looking to amend the late-game mistakes that cost them their previous match. Instead, Pitt (8-14 overall, 0-9 ACC) once a...

Pitt loses late to NC State, 72-68

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

January 25, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Despite playing its best in-conference game of the season, the Pitt men’s basketball team came up short of a crucial victory and let a 15-point lead slip away — dropping its eighth straight ACC game, 72-68, to the NC State Wolfpack. Playing in front of a home crowd in the ACC’s late-night 9 p.m...

Point-Counterpoint: Stallings should go

By Colin Martin | Staff Writer

January 23, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Currently winless in conference play this season and 4-21 overall in the ACC during his time at Pitt, Kevin Stallings has done little to establish Pitt or himself in the ACC. In two years, Stallings has coached the Panthers to a 55-point loss at home against Louisville and a 35-point loss on nati...

Point-Counterpoint: Stallings should stay

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

January 23, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

The Pitt men’s basketball team, under head coach Kevin Stallings, is currently 8-12 overall, with an 0-7 record in the ACC. That puts the Panthers in the basement of the conference. To make matters worse, they’ve struggled to keep games close — all seven ACC losses have been decided by 14 points ...

Blue Devils best Panthers, 81-54, for the second time in two weeks

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

January 20, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

Pitt men’s basketball suffered a major loss to Duke for the second time in 10 days, this time losing 81-54 on the road and falling to 0-7 in the ACC. The Panthers (8-12 overall, 0-7 ACC) committed 15 turnovers and made just four of their 16 three-point attempts while allowing four Blue Devils (17-2...

The Orange beat Panthers to a pulp, 59-45

By Adin Link | Staff Writer

January 17, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Coming off a five-game losing streak, Pitt was looking for redemption in a matchup against Syracuse on a snowy Tuesday night at the Carrier Dome. Instead, the streak extended to six, as the Panthers (8-11, 0-6 ACC) fell to the Orange (13-6, 4-2 ACC), 59-45. The Panthers are still winless in the ACC, l...

Yellow Jackets sting Panthers, 69-54

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

January 13, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

Coming off of an embarrassing defeat to the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils, the Pitt men’s basketball team was poised for its first ACC win of the season against less daunting competition. But, a stout Georgia Tech defense was enough to stymie Pitt's offense and earn a 69-54 victory, leaving Pitt still win...

Luther ruled out for the season

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor

January 12, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

The Pitt men’s basketball team has played its last seven games without its only senior, forward Ryan Luther, and on Thursday Pitt announced on its website that Pitt will finish the season without him. Luther went down during Pitt’s Dec. 9 game against West Virginia with a stress reaction in his right foot. On T...

Blue Devils dismantle Pitt, 87-52

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

January 10, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories

A sizable crowd of Pitt fans were left in the stands watching Wednesday’s game, wondering if they would see their team score even half as much as the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils. The Panthers did, but not by much, as Duke crushed Pitt, 87-52. The Pitt men’s basketball team (8-9 overall, 0-4 ACC) continue...

Team of young men’s basketball players work on rebuilding

By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer

January 8, 2018

Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports

At the beginning of the season, The Pitt News — along with most other sports media outlets — placed the Pitt men’s basketball team at the bottom of its preseason ACC basketball rankings. The Panthers’ prospects didn’t seem too promising, considering they were bringing back just two players ...