The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
Pittsburgh's Blake Hinson (2) celebrates after Pittsburgh defeated Mississippi State in a First Four game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Dayton, Ohio.

‘It’s a dogfight’: Pitt men’s basketball edges out Mississippi State 60-59 in NCAA tournament First Four

By Brian Sherry, Assistant Sports Editor • March 15, 2023
After a seven-year hiatus, the Pitt men’s basketball team returned to the NCAA tournament in dramatic fashion. The Panthers narrowly defeated Mississippi State 60-59, earning their first tournament win since 2014.
A basketball at the Petersen Events Center.

Pitt students embrace excitement, unpredictability of team’s first NCAA tournament in seven years

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor • March 14, 2023
Students in Oakland were buzzing about Pitt’s first NCAA tournament appearance in seven years. For all students from first years to seniors, there was plenty of excitement and support behind the team heading into the Panthers First Four game on Tuesday night.
Mississippi State forward Tolu Smith (1) loses the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Florida in the second round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.

Mississippi State student newspaper breaks down the Bulldogs ahead of First Four match-up

By Brian Sherry, Assistant Sports Editor • March 14, 2023
Who better to talk about an opponent than the opponent themselves? The Pitt News talks with Mississippi State’s student newspaper, The Reflector, ahead of first four matchup.
Mississippi State forward Tolu Smith (1) goes to the free throw line after scoring and being fouled by Florida during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Mississippi State won 69-68, and will face Pitt in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Preview | Panthers take on Mississippi State in the First Four

By Jermaine Sykes, Senior Staff Writer • March 14, 2023
The Panthers are dancing. After seven years, Pitt returns to the NCAA tournament, but their first test comes against a feisty Mississippi State team. Senior Staff Writer Jermaine Sykes offers a preview of the Tuesday night matchup.
Head basketball coach Jeff Capel watches from the bench as a penalty call dashes the Panthers’ hopes to upset Louisville in January 2020.

Column | Pitt fans owe Jeff Capel an apology

By Mason Carter, Staff Writer • March 14, 2023
Following Pitt basketball’s disappointing 2021-22 campaign, many Panther fans called for the program to move on from head coach Jeff Capel. But now, as the Panthers are on the brink of appearing in the NCAA tournament, it’s clear Panther fans were wrong about Capel.
Pittsburgh forward Jorge Diaz Graham (31) shoots against Miami forward Norchad Omier (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Coral Gables, Fla.

Pitt men’s basketball earns No. 11 seed, draw Mississippi state in first four matchup

By Anthony Speciale, Staff Writer • March 12, 2023
Pitt men’s basketball earned their first NCAA tournament berth since the 2015-16 season on Selection Sunday, drawing an 11-seed and first four matchup against Mississippi State.
Pittsburgh guard Nelly Cummings drives between Georgia Tech guard Dallan Coleman and guard Kyle Sturdivant during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C.

Men’s basketball takeaways | March has created uncertainty for Panthers

By Richie Smiechowski and Frankie Richetti • March 11, 2023
Following an underwhelming March, Pitt Men’s basketball is potentially on the brink of an NCAA tournament berth. With several bubble teams still playing conference tournament games, Richie Smiechowski and Frankie Richetti outline the Panthers standing before Selection Sunday.
Duke forward Mark Mitchell (25) drives between Pittsburgh forward Blake Hinson (2) and center Federiko Federiko (33) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Panthers outmatched by Duke in ACC quarterfinals, lose 96-69

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor • March 9, 2023
Pitt men’s basketball was outmatched in every aspect of the game against Duke on Thursday afternoon. The Panthers ACC tournament run went up in flames, thanks to the 96-69 blowout loss.
Pittsburgh center Federiko Federiko blocks a shot by Georgia Tech forward Javon Franklin during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C.

Preview | Federiko, Burton stellar in victory over Georgia Tech, must stay sharp against Duke

By Jermaine Sykes, Senior Staff Writer • March 9, 2023
Senior Staff Writer Jermaine Sykes gives his takeaways from Pitt’s victory against the Yellow Jackets on Wednesday and offers a preview for the quarterfinal game against No. 21 Duke.
Pittsburgh guard Nelly Cummings drives between Georgia Tech guard Dallan Coleman and guard Kyle Sturdivant during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C.

Pitt men’s basketball earns 89-81 ACC tournament victory against Georgia Tech

By Jack Markowski, Staff Writer • March 8, 2023
Pitt men’s basketball’s offense shined against Georgia Tech, winning 89-81 and putting themselves in a favorable position for a trip to the NCAA tournament. The Panthers will face Duke tomorrow with an ACC semifinal berth at stake.
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