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.
Best first-round NCAA Tournament matchups
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
March 18, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
With the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket officially released, it’s time to start parsing through the opening matchups to look for the best entertainment value.
The Pitt News NFL Mock Draft 2.0
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
March 8, 2019
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
With the NFL Scouting Combine in the books, it’s time to re-evaluate our first mock draft based on all that has taken place over the past month.
What are the odds: NBA March Madness
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
March 8, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The NBA season starts winding down and teams are competing for final playoff spots, while the NCAA March Madness Tournament begins in just two weeks.
Takeaways from NFL Scouting Combine
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
March 6, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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.
What are the odds: UFC 235
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
March 1, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
UFC 235 has one of the best fight lineups in a long time, with both the welterweight and light heavyweight bouts having appeal.
National champs to pick, avoid in your bracket
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 26, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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.
What are the odds: NBA playoff hopefuls
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 22, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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 in the Pros: Patterson, Maddox and Zeuch
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Despite some disappointing results in the present day, Pitt athletics has proven to be able to turn out a high number of professional athletes.
WWE needs to let Kofi Kingston fly
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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.
Take 5: Brown, Boban, Bryce
By The Pitt News Staff
February 15, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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: Pirates set for another average season
By MIchael Nitti, Staff Writer
February 12, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
With the lack of significant additions and the largely unproven talent across the roster, don’t expect big things from the Pirates this year.
What are the odds: NBA post-trade deadline matchups
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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.
The Pitt News NFL Mock Draft 1.0
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
With the NFL draft just around the corner (sort of), The Pitt News breaks down how the first round will shake out.
Column: Patriots-Rams Snoozer Bowl was one to forget
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 5, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Sunday’s Super Bowl was an anticlimactic, painfully boring viewership experience, and if you claim to think otherwise, you’re lying to yourself.
What are the odds: Super Bowl edition
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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.
Top storylines heading into Super Bowl LIII
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
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.
WWE explores intergender competition in Royal Rumble
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
January 28, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Even with a separate women’s Royal Rumble, there still isn’t equal opportunity for women in professional wrestling.
What are the odds: NBA’s bottom teams look to tank
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
NBA tanking season is now in full form, with teams trying to lose more games in hopes of a higher draft position.
What are the odds: Don’t bet against Brees, Brady in championship weekend
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
January 18, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
It's tough to bet against two Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Drew Brees in Tom Brady — so don't do it.
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.
What are the odds: Bet on Foles, Rivers in NFL playoffs
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
January 11, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
When it comes to the NFL playoffs, Nick Foles has proven that you should never bet against him.
Take 5: Football Drama, who should stay and who should go
By Staff
January 10, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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.
WWE ‘TLC’ doesn’t take care of McIntyre, Ziggler
By Alexa Marzina, staff writer
January 8, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
A staff-writer takes a look at the WWE, arguing some of its top performers deserve to be treated better.
Pitt sports: A semester in review
By Kate Hall, Staff Writer
December 10, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From playoff berths to championship games to championship titles, the Panthers have seen it all. Here is a recap of the biggest moments in Pitt sports this semester.
TPN staff breaks down bowl season
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
December 7, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Who is going to make it to the National Championship? Will Pitt ever win again? You can find out what the Pitt News Sports Staff thinks here.
Take 5: Kyler, KD, Cardinals
By The Pitt News Staff
December 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Our Pitt News Sports staff had some things to rant about this week, from Pittsburgh figures who irk them to who should be taking home hardware during awards season.
Navigating college football’s bowl season
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
December 5, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The sport is dominated by the playoff discussion around this time of year, but there are plenty of other marquee matchups that are worth your attention during this bowl season.
Three takeaways from Pitt vs Clemson
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
December 3, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
The Panthers were held back by several factors, but there were a few bright spots to build on for the season finale and next year.
Take 5: Browns, Buckeyes, Basketball
By The Pitt News Staff
November 29, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The Browns and Bengals faced off in a revenge game, while the previously struggling Buckeyes suddenly looked like one of the nation’s best teams once again versus Michigan.
Column: Sweet 16 on the horizon for Pitt volleyball
By Kate Hall, Staff Writer
November 29, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
This will be the team’s third consecutive appearance in the tournament and 14th appearance in team history — and fans can expect the Panthers to go further in this tournament than ever before.
Rousey takes the belt in WWE’s Survivor Series
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
November 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Uncategorized
In a controversial match, Charlotte Flair was ultimately disqualified from the WWE's Survivor Series and Ronda Rousey snatched the belt.
Take 5: Bell, Butler, Brees
By The Pitt News Staff
November 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Does Pitt football deserve to be ranked? Did Le’Veon Bell make the right decision? Our staff answers these questions and more in this week’s Take 5.
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.
Take 5: Bama, Blue Devils, Bryant
By The Pitt News Staff
November 8, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Two dominant college programs staked claims as the best in their sport, while polarizing wide receiver Dez Bryant finally found a home. Read the full range of topics in this week’s Take 5 column:
Take 5: NFL, Le’Veon Bell, Hue’s farewell
By The Pitt News Staff
November 1, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
This week’s Take 5 column features two Pittsburgh-centric football storylines, including the Panthers’ quest for an ACC Coastal title and the Steelers’ success without Le’Veon Bell. In other news, a dark-horse Cy Young candidate has emerged for the 2019 MLB season and the Browns are still the Browns.
Column: WWE women thrive at ‘Evolution’ despite backstage politics
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
October 29, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
WWE’s first all-women pay-per-view — properly dubbed “Evolution” to signify the transformation from divas from superstars — was a success, highlighted by Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch’s electric Last Woman Standing match.
Stadium Foods: The good, the bad and the crazy
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
October 25, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From NFL teams to minor league ball clubs, some organizations will try any promotion to get fans into their home stands — such as replacing burger buns with donuts.
Take 5: City of Stars, Cardiac Cleveland
By The Pitt News Staff
October 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories, Video, Visual
TPN’s weekly hot takes are here a little earlier this week, but it doesn’t stop our staff from voicing their opinions on pro-sports. From the city’s own Riverhounds to the Lakers’ Lebron James, our staffs takes will surely keep you in the loop with what is going on in the sports world.
Take 5: Los Angeles, Le’Veon, no LeBron
By The Pitt News staff
October 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
As the NFL season nears its halfway point, Los Angeles’ two teams seem to be destined for a cross-city clash, while the Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell continues to divide public opinion.
Column: Riverhounds strive for success as Pittsburgh’s pro soccer team
By Ben Zimmer, Staff Writer
October 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
As the Riverhounds prepare to host a first-round playoff game Saturday — the first home postseason game in the club’s history — their achievements shouldn’t go unnoticed. How much success will it take for soccer to be among Pittsburgh’s sources of pride?
Waiver Wire Weekly: Gabriel and Mack are best bets
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
If you happen to own Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and James Conner, fear not — these players should be able to fill in admirably in the NFL’s Week 7.
2018 NBA Preview: Breaking down The Association’s hierarchy
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
In honor of the basketball returning, we broke down where each team stands heading into the 2018 NBA season.
Take 5: Fultz, Futility, Finance
By The Pitt News staff
October 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The Pitt News staff takes a look at each of America's three ongoing professional sports, from Markelle Fultz' improvement to the Bengals' false hopes.
Column: Josh Gordon provides ‘Flash’ of inspiration
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
October 10, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Josh Gordon has received criticism for his inability to maintain an NFL roster spot, but his continuous effort to overcome personal demons is nothing short of admirable.
Column: ‘Super Show-Down’ confuses roles of WWE’s top women
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
October 8, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The way the WWE has cast the Charlotte Flair - Becky Lynch feud doesn’t make sense to the multi-talented women involved in it.
Take 5: Preseason, playoff, Jared Goff
By The Pitt News Staff
October 3, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Video, Visual
We’re at a crucial crossroads of America’s three major sports, with the NFL entering midseason form while the MLB playoffs and NBA preseason get underway. The Pitt News staff leaves none of these stones unturned as we take a look at storylines from the past week.
Column: New Philly Flyers’ mascot ‘Gritty’ is more fearsome than friendly
By Michael Nitti, Staff Writer
October 1, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Uncategorized
Nobody’s sure what animal or interdimensional being new Flyers' mascot 'Gritty' is supposed to be, but we can all agree he’s ugly.
Column: New Pitt show has yet to go ‘Beyond the Script’
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
September 27, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports Columns
Pitt Athletics says it's looking to expose fans to every Panther sports team with its new television show “Pitt: Beyond the Script," but it could do better.
Take 5: Bills, Baker, Bell
By The Pitt News Staff
September 27, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Video, Visual
The NFL gave us a surplus of story lines in a wacky Week 3 with the Patriots struggling, the Browns finally winning and Le’Veon Bell continuing his holdout.
What are the odds: Making a comeback after losses in Ohio State vs. TCU game
By Colin Martin, Blogger
September 21, 2018
Filed under Blogs, Sports, Sports Columns
In this week's "What are the odds" blog, blogger Colin Martin examines his losses and how he can make a comeback in the upcoming games. He offers an analysis of each game in college football, providing spreads, over/under numbers and bet suggestion.
Column: Pitt is a volleyball school now
By Stephen Thompson, For the Pitt News
September 19, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports Columns
The Pitt volleyball team is driven, experienced and talented — and they deserve all the support our Panther community can give them.
Take 5: Patriots, pass-rush, Patrick Mahomes
By The Pitt News Staff
September 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In a week with an abundance of compelling NFL storylines, The Pitt News staff provides some insight on the top talking points.
Hardy, Orton embody “Hell in a Cell”
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
September 16, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
WWE superstars Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy provided one of the greatest Hell in a Cell moments in the history of the sport on Sunday night.
Weekly Waiver Wire
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
Filed under Blogs, Sports, Sports Columns
With the popularity of fantasy football and the constant weekly changes, it can be difficult for participants to keep up with what is happening. Now, fans have to look no further than this brief list of weekly wire additions to keep an eye on.
What are the odds: Best bets around college football
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In May, the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, leaving the legalization of sports gambling up to individual states. The betting is legal in Pennsylvania and is actually a popular past-time. The Pitt News examines the best college games this weekend to put your money on.
Column: Universities should recognize student athletes as employees
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
September 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
It's time for Universities to recognize athletes as student employees and mitigate the exploitation of players under demanding sports programs.
Take 5: Cy Young, NFL youth
By The Pitt News Staff
September 12, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From the first week of NFL action to the dog days of professional baseball, The Pitt News staff gives its takes on five hot topics in the world of sports.
Op-ed: ’87 alumnus, former TPN editor says Pitt football is here to stay
By James S. Urban
September 11, 2018
Filed under Football, Letters to the Editor, Opinions, Sports, Sports Columns
In a rebuttal to former TPN editor and New York Times writer Murray Chass' op-ed, Pitt alumnus and former TPN editor says Pitt football is just a small, but important, part of the school's success.
Column: There’s more to blame for Pitt’s loss than sloppy conditions
By Griffin Floyd, For the Pitt News
September 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The rivalry game that occurred on Saturday had many takeaways for the Panthers. Not only were the conditions bad for playing, but the offensive and defensive lines both fell short. With this culmination of mistakes, the Panthers have a lot to learn from and will need to improve if they look to have a successful season.
Steelers start off sluggish in stormy stalemate against Browns
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
September 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
On top of Pitt getting pummeled by Penn State on Saturday, the Steelers also struggled to successful begin their season. Playing against the Brown's, the game ended in a 21-21 tie . Although there were several good plays, the Steelers still have much to improve on in order to have a successful season.
Op-ed: Pitt alumnus, former New York Times sports writer says time’s up for Pitt football
By Murray Chass
September 9, 2018
Filed under Letters to the Editor, Opinions, Sports, Sports Columns
Former Pitt News editor Murray Chass — also known for contributing to The New York Times and Associated Press — doubles down on his 60-year old stance regarding Pitt football.
Rivalry week: Examining the shaky future of Pitt vs. Penn State
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
September 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
In 2016, the Pitt-Penn State rivalry was rebooted after a 16 year hiatus. Although only playing for the last two seasons, it seems as if the rivalry may reach an expiration date soon - which could actually benefit Pitt. Working hard to schedule the rivalry game every year doesn't seem like a worthy investment for Pitt.
Take 5: Mack, Miami, and Minnesota
By The Pitt News Staff
September 5, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From Khalil Mack's move to the downfall of the U, The Pitt News staff gives its takes on some of the storylines that emerged from football's first week.
Watson’s west coast approach works for the Panthers
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 4, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The real MVP of Saturday's game was offensive coordinator Shawn Watson, who brought balance and consistency to the Pitt offense.
Former Panthers poised for success this NFL season
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
August 31, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The SEC isn't the only institution that produces notable football players -- the ACC does as well. As the NFL is underway, the Pitt News reviews major former Panther's that can positively impact their respective teams.
Take 5: Bell, Beadle and Basketball
By The Pitt News Staff
August 30, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From catsuits to contract holdouts, The Pitt News staff takes a look at the spiciest storylines from the past week.
New Coaches allow Pitt fans to dream big
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
August 27, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
During her first year as athletic director, Heather Lyke hired seven coaches. Because of these additions, Pitt fans can optimistically look forward to the next season.
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.
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.
WWE women’s ‘Money in the Bank’ results in another generic outcome
By Alexa Marzina | Staff Writer
June 20, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
This year, I spent my Father’s Day the way anybody who feels awkward during family gatherings should — drinking a beer and watching eight beautiful women beat each other up with ladders. Though WWE’s 2018 Money in the Bank pay-per-view Sunday featured results I was in favor of, the show lacke...
Column: Hosting World Cup in Russia is dangerous for LGBTQ+ fans
By Hannah Schneider, Sports Editor
June 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Professional sports environments aren’t traditionally safe spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes and fans — especially in Russia, where policies outlawing “gay propaganda” have been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights as “discriminatory.” With the 2018 World Cup games quickly approachin...
Column: Mainstream sports rhetoric limits female athletes
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
June 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
“You play ball like a girl,” said “Ham” from “The Sandlot,” settling an intense roast battle against the baseball uniform-wearing rich kids with what seems to be the greatest insult one could possibly say to someone in 1962. But the insult is two-fold. Female athletes face a deep...
Column: Group by Group World Cup Preview
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
June 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The 2018 World Cup isn’t a priority for most Americans since the United States failed to qualify for the competition, but this year’s games have the potential to be one of the most entertaining tournaments in years. The tournament — hosted in Russia this year — kicks off June 14 at 11 a.m. with t...
Column: LeBron James stands no chance against the Warriors
By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer
June 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The Golden State Warriors followed up their thrilling overtime victory in game one of the NBA Finals with a more dominant result in game two Sunday night, trouncing the Cleveland Cavaliers 122-103 with help from a record-setting performance by two-time MVP point guard Stephen Curry. The basket se...
Column: Lyke is what Pitt Athletics needs for steady success
By Colin Martin | Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The best way to build a strong athletic program involves consistency and a direction. It’s very difficult for schools to form their own identity with constantly changing leadership as Pitt has experienced over the past decade with seven different head football coaches. But Pitt now officially has...
Column: Women’s sports need female leaders
By Jordan Mondell | Senior Staff Writer
May 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
Pitt’s new women’s basketball head coach Lance White — who was hired April 18 to replace former coach Suzie McConnell-Serio — seems like a great snag for the program. The former Florida State assistant has it going on — a 350-145 overall record, 12 seasons with 20 or more wins with the Se...
Take 5: Stakes Races, Shaq and Southgate
By The Pitt News Staff
May 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Though Pitt's campus has mostly emptied out, The Pitt News sports staff is still full of hot takes. They're back to round up some of the best — and unexpected — stories of the week. Patience for Pirates Fans The Pittsburgh Pirates finally got a glimpse of their future when centerfielder A...
Take 5: Kiper, Cavs and Kardashians
By The Pitt News Staff
April 20, 2018
Filed under Sports Columns
With finals week quickly approaching, you may have been too busy studying to keep up with the world of sports. No worries — The Pitt News staff has you covered with the most savvy, significant and scandalous sports stories from this week. Keeping up with Khloe and Tristan The Cleveland Cavali...
Column: Pirates’ season a pleasant surprise for fan
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
April 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In one of Pittsburgh’s colder Aprils in recent memory, the Pittsburgh Pirates have remained hot, though it didn’t seem it would be that way just a few weeks ago. Despite trading two All-Stars — outfielder Andrew McCutchen and starting pitcher Gerrit Cole — in the offseason, the Pirates stand on top of the NL Central at 11-6 and are one of the top teams in MLB right now. The Pirates came into ...
Column: J.J. Redick is one for the NBA record books
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
April 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Every so often in professional sports, a special athlete comes along who is single-handedly able to elevate their team’s performance to elite ranks. These once-in-a-generation talents carry their teams to the playoffs year in and year out through sheer individual willpower and exceptional abilit...
Take 5: Spieth, Simmons, Stanley Cup
By The Pitt News Staff
April 12, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Is Jordan Spieth the new Tiger Woods? Who is and who isn’t a rookie? Will the Penguins win their third straight Stanley Cup? All of that and more — The Pitt News staff is back to round up the week’s best sports stories. Masterful performance Golf is fun. Golf is exciting. This past Sunday was ...
4 predictions for the NHL playoffs
By Max Sirianni | Staff Writer
April 12, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
After 82 games, the NHL regular season has officially ended, and the 16 teams that made the playoffs are ready to face off for the Stanley Cup. Playoff hockey is always full of surprises, so here are some attempts at predicting the madness in an intense playoff format that teaches us to expect the u...
Take 5: Pirates, playoffs, PGA tour
By The Pitt News Staff
April 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
There are just two weeks left in the semester and classes are winding down at Pitt. The same can’t be said for news in the sports world. The Pitt News staff is back with a weekly roundup of this week’s best. More of the same Are the Houston Rockets leading the West? Yes. Have the Cleveland Caval...
Staff picks: Pitt athletics Hall of Fame
By The Pitt News Staff
April 4, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke announced in January that Pitt will be implementing its own Hall of Fame, with the inaugural class to be inducted Sept. 7. We’ll have to wait a few months to find out who will make the first Hall of Fame class — in the meantime, The Pitt News sports staff has ...
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 ...
Take 5: Harden, hot dogs, home runs
By The Pitt News Staff
March 29, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Oakland has been buzzing about the hiring of a new head basketball coach — our lord and savior Jeff Capel. But while the Pitt community has been busy celebrating the arrival of a new king, the rest of the sports world has continued to make headlines. The Pitt News staff is back to round up some of the...
European powers gear up for UCL quarterfinals
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
March 27, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
American soccer fans don’t have much to look forward to this summer, with the U.S. Men’s National Team failing to make this year’s World Cup in Russia. But for those still interested in gearing up for the tournament, the UEFA Champions League should provide great drama and competition. The C...
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...
Take 5: Rookies, rejection, re-entry
By The Pitt News Staff
March 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
As professional sports seasons begin to wrap up, questions remain — who will win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award? How will the Golden Knights fare in the NHL postseason? Will Johnny Manziel get arrested again? The Pitt News sports staff is back with a weekly roundup of the best in sports ...
New MLB rules may go too far
By Max Sirianni | Staff Writer
March 22, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
We’ve all been at a baseball game that just never seems to end. There are nonstop pitching changes and tedious at-bats. By the seventh-inning stretch, everyone likely wants to go home. Major League Baseball has taken notice. The game times have slowly increased over the last two years after dropping...
Hear me out: The sexiest mascots in college sports
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
March 21, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
During the first media time-out of No. 2 seed Duke against No. 15 Iona in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament last week, the mascots from both teams hit the court for a dance-off. As I looked on in boredom, waiting for the game to resume again, my mind wandered, and I got to some serious thin...
Take 5: Tiger, Tournament, Tom Crean
By The Pitt News Staff
March 15, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
While Pitt may not have qualified for this year’s NCAA tournament … or the NIT … or the CBI, there are plenty of other things happening in the sports world Pitt fans can distract themselves with. The Pitt News sports staff is back with a weekly roundup of the best in sports this past week — an...
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...
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...
Take Five: Pirates, Pacquette and Rick Pitino
By The Pitt News Staff
March 2, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Spring break is upon us but the non-stop news cycle of the sports world takes no breaks. The Pitt News staff is back to round up this week’s best stories. Click here to see last week's takes. Cheapskates The Major League Baseball Players Union filed grievances against the Oakland Athletics, Mi...
NCAA should leave the past alone
By Colin Martin | Staff Writer
February 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The last time the Louisville men’s basketball team won the NCAA tournament was 22 years ago — at least according to the NCAA. The NCAA vacated 123 wins from Louisville’s program — from between 2011 and 2015 — on Tuesday. The Cardinals will also be stripped of their 2013 NCAA championship win after bei...
Take Five: Mets, mock drafts, Mark Cuban
By The Pitt News Staff
February 22, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
With the NBA and NHL seasons passing their midway point and the MLB season on the brink, there are plenty of stories to sift through for fans of all interests. The Pitt News sports staff is here to round up the best ones of the week. Put Me in Coach Tim Tebow is a former professional quarterback with...