Take 5: This is March
By Staff
March 7, 2019
It’s expected for you to be excited for March Madness, but while you’re waiting for Selection Sunday, don’t overlook the conference tournaments. You never know when the No. 16 seed will upset the No. 1 seed.
Takeaways from NFL Scouting Combine
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
March 6, 2019
With the NFL Combine complete, it’s time to look at the standouts, draft implications and how Pitt’s lone representative fared against the competition.
Free throw woes doom Pitt in 76-63 loss at Miami
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
March 6, 2019
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.
The Devil wears Blue, Pitt hopes to ‘prod-a’ win against Duke
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Wrtier
March 5, 2019
Pitt women’s basketball will be facing Duke in the first round of the ACC tournament on Wednesday. Pitt has lost all 10 of its meetings with Duke dating back to the 2006 season, so odds are not in the Panthers’ favor this tournament season.
Softball’s Gray outlasts change to lead Pitt in senior season
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
March 4, 2019
If it weren’t for her dad persuading her to play softball when she was six years old, there is no knowing where Olivia Gray would be right now. But because she gave into him, the senior infielder is looking to lead the Panthers for the fourth straight season.
Weekend Sports: Baseball takes three in Kissimmee
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
March 4, 2019
In a busy weekend for Pitt athletics, the baseball team stood out among the competition with three wins in four games at the Russmatt Central Florida Invitational.
Cardinals crush Pitt on senior day, 67-40
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
March 4, 2019
The Pitt women’s basketball team fell to No. 3 Louisville in its last home game of the season.
What are the odds: UFC 235
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
March 1, 2019
UFC 235 has one of the best fight lineups in a long time, with both the welterweight and light heavyweight bouts having appeal.
Women’s basketball downs Demon Deacons, 70-64
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
March 1, 2019
The Pitt women’s basketball team put on one of its best performances of the season to beat Wake Forest 70-64 on the road
Keeping up with Pitt’s recruiting trail
By Tyler Moran, Staff Writer
March 1, 2019
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
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.
Early look at the NFL Combine
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
February 28, 2019
his weekend will be make it or break it for 337 NFL prospects. Teams will find out who can perform under pressure and make it in the NFL.
Take 5: WWZD: What Will Zion Do
By Pitt News Staff
February 28, 2019
No one knows for sure what any athletes’ futures hold, but people can speculate. Morant will make it, Zion should come back, the Phillies should walk away from Bryce and Murray needs to throw.
Tim O’Toole: Different ways to skin a cat
By Cale Berger, Staff Writer
February 27, 2019
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.
National champs to pick, avoid in your bracket
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 26, 2019
It’s never too early to start looking for an edge that will push your bracket over the top, and picking the right national champion is half the battle.
Renovating Retro: Pitt athletics poised for return to retro colors
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Wrtier
February 25, 2019
In October of 2016, after adding more retro gear, the Pitt Team Store saw a 26 percent increase in apparel sales compared to the previous year. For now, Pitt’s marketing team and athletic department are subtly hinting at a restoration of the classic colors.
Lauray leads Pitt at ACC Championships
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 25, 2019
Greg Lauray took gold in the high jump at the ACC Indoor Championships, while Dante’ Watson helped place in three different events for the Panthers.
Weekend Sports: Baseball, wrestling excel down south
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
February 25, 2019
The weekend in Pitt sports saw the wrestling team close the regular season with a win over a ranked opponent and the baseball team sweep its tournament competition.
Orange overwhelm Pitt women’s basketball, 90-63
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 22, 2019
Pitt women’s basketball entered Thursday night hoping for an upset to even the two-game series against No. 18 Syracuse, but the Panthers left after being blown out 90-63.
Top moments from Pitt men’s basketball so far
By Kate Hall, Staff Writer
February 22, 2019
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.
What are the odds: NBA playoff hopefuls
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 22, 2019
With less than two months left in the NBA regular season, we look at the odds from some playoff contenders in action this weekend.
Panthers lose 22nd-straight road game at GT, 73-65
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 21, 2019
Plagued by a season-worst performance at the foul line, the Panthers fell 73-65 to bring their road losing streak to 22 games.
Take 5: Major contracts and meltdowns
By Staff
February 21, 2019
The past week has been a big one in the sports world. From a record breaking free agency deal for shortstop Manny Machado to the Steelers’ roster having a meltdown, it seems no one is safe from making the news
Pitt swimmers prepare for ACC Championships
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
February 20, 2019
With several Pitt swimmers heading to the ACC Championships, head coach John Hargis has high hopes for success.
Looking ahead at Pitt football in 2019
By Michael Nitti, Staff Writer
February 20, 2019
With National Signing Day in the books and the Panthers 15 days away from spring camp, now is a good time to evaluate the current state of Pitt’s football team.
Panthers in the Pros: Patterson, Maddox and Zeuch
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
Despite some disappointing results in the present day, Pitt athletics has proven to be able to turn out a high number of professional athletes.
March Madness Predictions
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
Appropriately dubbed “March Madness,” the tournament is one of the most exciting events in sports and is known for its buzzer beaters, cinderella stories and ridiculous individual performances.
WWE needs to let Kofi Kingston fly
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
WWE superstar Kofi Kingston is in his late 30s and still has as much dexterity and agility as an Olympic gymnast, but has yet to hold a world title in WWE.
Seminoles steamroll Pitt women’s basketball, 78-46
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
The Panthers reverted back to their old ways Sunday, losing 78-46 to No. 21 Florida State in Tallahassee.
Weekend Sports: Wrestling rolls, softball stumbles
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
The Panthers didn’t fare so well on the diamond — the baseball and softball teams went a combined 1-7 in their respective tournaments over the weekend.
No. 22 Hokies hand Pitt basketball ninth straight loss
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 17, 2019
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
Jeff Capel added another much-needed recruit Friday morning in power forward Karim Coulibaly.
Pitt snaps 18-game ACC losing streak in 91-78 win over UNC
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 15, 2019
The Panthers finally got their first ACC win of the season over UNC, ending an 18-game ACC losing streak dating back to Feb. 1, 2018.
Take 5: Brown, Boban, Bryce
By The Pitt News Staff
February 15, 2019
Brown formally announced he wants out of Pittsburgh, several trades shook up the NBA landscape and MLB superstars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are playing hard to get in the offseason.
What are the odds: NBA All-Star Weekend
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 15, 2019
After a successful betting slate last week, it’s time to look at who will win the contests during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend.
Column: Semenya’s success due to talent, not hormones
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 14, 2019
For the past nine years, Caster Semenya, a South African middle-distance runner, has undergone scrutiny from the International Association of Athletic Federations
Cupid’s arrows strike Panthers
By Kate Hall, Staff Writer
February 14, 2019
Lexi Blum didn’t think she would have time for anything besides dance and school, then she met Pitt Baseball pitcher Dan Hammer. Blum and Hammer have now been dating for six months.
Boston College deals Pitt 18th straight ACC road loss, 66-57
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 13, 2019
Pitt produced its worst shooting game of the season, making 29 percent of its shots en route to a 21st consecutive road loss.
EJ Borghetti leaves his mark on Pitt athletics
By Sami Abu-Obaid, Staff Writer
February 13, 2019
An ever-present face in Pitt’s athletic department, Borghetti leads media operations for the University’s 19 intercollegiate sports, publicizing the same programs he cheered for growing up.
Four-star basketball recruit Gerald Drumgoole commits to Pitt
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 12, 2019
As a 6-foot-6, 200-pound small forward with a sweet shooting stroke, Drumgoole should help the Panthers as soon as next year.
Column: Pirates set for another average season
By MIchael Nitti, Staff Writer
February 12, 2019
With the lack of significant additions and the largely unproven talent across the roster, don’t expect big things from the Pirates this year.
Panther Spotlight: Micky Phillippi, Cassidy Walsh, Kiley Robatin
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
February 11, 2019
The men’s wrestling, women’s basketball and women’s gymnastics teams have all had their ups and downs this season, but they are each anchored by talented players who give them hope for the future of the season and the program.
Weekend Sports: Wrestling racks up three wins
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
February 11, 2019
Pitt wrestling led the charge over the weekend, racking up three wins after struggling in previous weeks.
Pitt falls to No. 25 Miami in 12th annual Pink the Pete game
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 11, 2019
The Pitt women’s basketball team suffered its 11th straight loss at Sunday’s 12th annual Pink the Pete game, falling 65-51 to Miami.
NC State overcomes Pitt late, 79-76
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 10, 2019
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.
What are the odds: NBA post-trade deadline matchups
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
With football season coming to an end, it’s time to shift focus toward the NBA, where an eventful trade deadline just came and passed.
Yellow Jackets sting Panthers, 67-55
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
The Pitt women’s basketball team again couldn’t find a way to win in the ACC, losing this time 67-55 to Georgia Tech on the road.
The Pitt News NFL Mock Draft 1.0
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
With the NFL draft just around the corner (sort of), The Pitt News breaks down how the first round will shake out.
Take 5: Super Bowl, Super Bowl and more Super Bowl
By Staff
February 7, 2019
The Rams seem like a franchise destined for multiple Super Bowl appearances in the coming decade and that may be true, but don’t expect to see them back in the big game next year — or even for a few years.
Pitt Coaches prepare to Pink the Pete for the first time
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 7, 2019
Pitt’s Women’s Basketball team will be playing in its 12th annual Pink the Petersen game this Sunday against Miami. While this game always holds special meaning for coaches, players and survivors, this year it hits especially close to home for members of Pitt’s team.
Pro athletes recount journey to the top level
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 6, 2019
For most athletes who actually make it to the professional level, like former Pitt tennis player and 2017 graduate Audrey Ann Blakely, the journey is mentally arduous and financially uncertain.
Demon Deacons possess Pitt, 78-76, in overtime heartbreaker
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
February 6, 2019
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.
College students find big-league niches
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
February 6, 2019
A vast majority of people don’t ever get the shot to pursue a sports-related job, yet alone their dream job –– but some do.
Student managers vital to basketball team’s success
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
February 6, 2019
Knowing they wouldn’t be playing DI Basketball, but not wanting to give up their love of the game, three seniors joined the Pitt Basketball team as managers their freshman year.
Column: Patriots-Rams Snoozer Bowl was one to forget
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 5, 2019
Sunday’s Super Bowl was an anticlimactic, painfully boring viewership experience, and if you claim to think otherwise, you’re lying to yourself.
From High School to College, former teammates reunited at Pitt
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
February 5, 2019
When Grant Jones was trying to convince Noah Walker, his former high school teammate, to come to Pitt, he probably didn’t know he would be recruiting his biggest competition in the coming years.
Hurl to Pitt: Club excels at national level
By Ben Bobeck, Staff Writer
February 5, 2019
Pitt’s club hurling team went from almost not having enough players to form a team to becoming National Champions.
Weekend Sports: Tough three days for Pitt athletics
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
February 4, 2019
In an otherwise bleak three days, the tennis and track and field programs provided moments of victory with set wins and podium finishes.
Duke defeats Pitt women’s basketball, 74-55
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 4, 2019
The Blue Devils dealt Pitt its ninth loss in as many games, 74-55.
Pitt cedes to Syracuse for second time, 65-56
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 3, 2019
Pitt fell 65-56 to the Orange, extending the team’s losing streak to five games.
What are the odds: Super Bowl edition
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
There's the game itself, featuring the veteran New England Patriots against the young Los Angeles Rams. But more importantly, we are going to look at all of the Super Bowl prop bets.
Women’s basketball drops eighth straight to Virginia Tech, 74-58
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
The Pitt women’s basketball team saw its losing streak extend to eight games in a loss to Virginia Tech at home Thursday night.
Top storylines heading into Super Bowl LIII
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
The game, featuring two of the league’s most highly touted coaches and some of its most prominent players, is sure to make headlines around the globe.
Q&A: Pitt grad Randy Lieberman prepares to host Super Bowl LIII
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 31, 2019
In the lead-up to this year’s Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and St. Louis Rams, former Pitt News sports writer Randy Lieberman reached out to us to provide an up-close angle at the event.
Take 5: Gronk’s future is uncertain and Lakers should pass on Davis
By Staff
January 30, 2019
It’s possible that Gronk may decide to walk away from football under his own power after this season. Because of his multiple injuries, he has been forced to undergo numerous surgeries, each no doubt costing a serious physical and mental toll.
Super Bowl Scoop: Covering America’s Greatest Spectacle from the beat writers who’ve been there
By Ben Bobeck, For The Pitt News
January 30, 2019
If it weren’t for journalists, most people would have no idea what’s going on at the Super Bowl. But while they’re bringing you the news, their jobs aren’t always easy. The Pitt News spoke with some journalists to find out the scoop on covering the Super Bowl.
Pitt softball signs IMPACT recruit Rylee DiTullio
By Michael Nitti, Staff Writer
January 30, 2019
The Pitt softball team signed Rylee DiTullio, a local 16-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, last Monday, holding a press conference at the Petersen Events Center to celebrate the event.
Clemson’s hot shooting deals Pitt fourth straight loss, 82-69
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 30, 2019
Clemson drained six of its first seven 3-pointers to put the game away early, leading to an 82-69 final score.
Q&A: Mike Bell looks to bring improvement to Pitt Baseball
By Tyler Moran, Staff Writer
January 28, 2019
On July 10, Mike Bell became the fifth head coach in history of Pitt baseball. Prior to coming to Pitt, Bell was the pitching coach for Florida State for seven years.
WWE explores intergender competition in Royal Rumble
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
January 28, 2019
Even with a separate women’s Royal Rumble, there still isn’t equal opportunity for women in professional wrestling.
Ugly first half dooms Pitt in 70-42 loss to No. 4 Louisville
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 28, 2019
Pitt women’s basketball outscored No. 4 Louisville in the second half, but an ugly first half in which the Panthers scored just 12 points ensured that it didn’t matter.
Weekend Sports: Swim team shines in last home meet
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
January 28, 2019
Pitt swimming and diving headlined an eventful weekend in Pitt athletics, dominating the Western Pennsylvania Invitational and breaking multiple team records in the process.
Pitt scores season low in 66-51 loss to No. 23 Louisville
By Stephen Thompson and Trent Leonard
January 27, 2019
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.
Panthers lose 12th straight ACC game to Virginia, 74-57
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
In a game that saw lengthy scoring stretches from both teams, the Pitt women’s basketball team found itself on the end of the bad run at the end of the fourth quarter, leading to 74-57 loss to Virginia Thursday night.
What are the odds: NBA’s bottom teams look to tank
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
NBA tanking season is now in full form, with teams trying to lose more games in hopes of a higher draft position.
Pitt Men’s Ultimate brings “end of days” to opponents
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
January 23, 2019
Pitt’s Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team was voted Pitt’s best club sport. “I think that we are the hardest working team in the country every year in terms of time we put in,” fifth-year senior and captain Hafeez Shams said
Take 5: Best of Pitt Athletics
By Staff
January 23, 2019
Pitt Athletics had some highs and lows this year, but in every situation there was a player or team that stood out above the rest. This week our writers talked about their “best of” moment in Pitt athletics.
Pitt wrestling shows improvement under Keith Gavin
By Sami Abu-Obaid, Staff Writer
January 23, 2019
When reviewing the resumé of Pitt wrestling head coach Keith Gavin, it’s no surprise that the wrestling program is heading toward success.
First-year phenoms lead Duke past Pitt, 79-64
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 23, 2019
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.
Weekend Recap: Swimming and Diving gets only team win of long week
By Tessa Sayers, assistant sports editor
January 21, 2019
Redshirt freshman Micky Phillippi was the lone bright spot of Pitt’s 36-9 loss to No. 3 Oklahoma State this weekend. Phillippi upset the No. 2 ranked 133 pound wrestler in the country, Daton Fix.
Oakland Zoo remains caged in
By Tessa Sayers, assistant sports editor
January 21, 2019
Since its founding 18 years ago, the members of the Oakland Zoo have only stormed the court twice, both times at the Fitzgerald Field House. And it’s not because the athletic department won’t let them.
Syracuse stifles Pitt men’s basketball, 74-63
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
January 19, 2019
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.
Syracuse uses strong second half to push past Pitt, 82-50
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 18, 2019
An ugly second half saw the Pitt women’s basketball team extend its ACC losing streak to 10 games, dating back to last season.
What are the odds: Don’t bet against Brees, Brady in championship weekend
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
January 18, 2019
It's tough to bet against two Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Drew Brees in Tom Brady — so don't do it.
Take 5: Kyler Murray is hurting his career, transfer portal is making football fun
By Pitt News Staff
January 16, 2019
Kyler Murray declared for the NFL Draft and in the end, it’s going to cause more harm than good. He won’t become the high draft selection he hoped for and the Oakland A’s will lose because they wasted their No. 9 pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. This moment in history will be known as “The Oakland Screw Job.”
Panthers in the Pros: Black, Perez, Washington, McDonough
By Stephen Thompson, staff writer
January 16, 2019
With 15 varsity sports, it is expected that some Pitt alums go on to become professional athletes. While some, like former Pitt football player James Conner, are more well known, there are still Panthers from all different sports performing at the professional level.
Pitt gymnasts embrace team environment
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
January 16, 2019
Most members of Pitt gymnastics spent their club careers striving for individual recognition and achievement. Now, they relish in being able to accomplish goals as a team.
Column: Pitt basketball’s rebuild is ahead of schedule
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 16, 2019
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
First-year Trey McGowens notched his second 30 point game of his career in Pitt’s upset over Florida State on Monday night.
Pitt football hires Mark Whipple as next offensive coordinator
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 14, 2019
After 10 days without an offensive coordinator, the wait for a new Pitt play-caller is over — the football program announced Monday that Mark Whipple will fill the position.
Weekend Sports: Wrestling, gymnastics notch quality finishes
By Kate Hall and Trent Leonard
January 14, 2019
Several of Pitt’s athletic teams put on a strong showing over weekend, with the gymnastics team breaking multiple program records and the wrestling team continuing its dominant start to the season.
Women’s basketball loses nail-biter to Boston College, 59-55
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 13, 2019
Pitt scored more than 50 points for the first time in ACC play this season, but it wasn’t enough to beat Boston College Sunday afternoon.
No. 15 NC State narrowly escapes with 86-80 win over Pitt
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 12, 2019
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.
No. 8 Wolfpack mauls Pitt, 63-34
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 11, 2019
In a game which set a historically low scoring mark for the program, Pitt women’s basketball lost its second straight ACC game to No. 8 NC State, 63-34, on the road Thursday night.
What are the odds: Bet on Foles, Rivers in NFL playoffs
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
January 11, 2019
When it comes to the NFL playoffs, Nick Foles has proven that you should never bet against him.
Pitt to discontinue women’s tennis program
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 10, 2019
Athletic director Heather Lyke announced that Pitt will be discontinuing its women's tennis program after the upcoming spring season.
Pitt ends ACC losing streak with 89-86 overtime win over Louisville
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
January 10, 2019
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.
Take 5: Football Drama, who should stay and who should go
By Staff
January 10, 2019
Even though the season just ended, college football is already full of drama. Is Tua Tagovailoa as good as everyone thinks he is? Will Justin Fields get the starting quarterback job at Ohio State? You can read what our writers think and more here.
Breaking down ACC competition for women’s basketball
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 9, 2019
The Panthers will need to take care of business against the ACC's bottom-feeders and hopefully steal a game or two from the conference’s middling teams.