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
John Hugley (23) scores during the men’s basketball exhibition vs. Gannon on Nov. 1 at the Petersen Events Center.

Second half surge lifts Pitt over NC State, 71-69, for first time since 2014

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • February 12, 2022
Jeff Capel said Saturday that there are “so many ways to lose” in college basketball. Pitt explored many of those ways, but made enough timely plays to escape with a 71-69 win over NC State — its first against the Wolfpack since 2014.
Jeff Capel is Pitt men’s basketball head coach.

Column | Capel deserves credit for instilling strong culture in men’s basketball

By Frankie Richetti, Senior Staff Writer • February 1, 2022
It's clear that Jeff Capel has instilled a strong culture among his Pitt team. It isn’t the kind of achievement Pitt fans dreamed of when he was hired, but senior staff writer Frankie Richetti argues that Capel deserves credit nonetheless.
Pitt's Mouhamadou Gueye, left, grabs a rebound in front of Louisville's Matt Cross (33) during the second half of a men’s basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 15 in Pittsburgh.

ACC men’s basketball coaches reject narrative of conference decline

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • January 26, 2022
This is not your grandfather’s ACC. Or even the ACC of your 16-year old cousin. ACC men’s basketball, formerly head and shoulders above any challenger, is not considered a juggernaut anymore. But head coaches think criticism is overblown.
Guard Jamarius Burton (11) dribbles the ball during the Pitt vs. Minnesota men’s basketball game at the Petersen Events Center on Nov 30.

Hot-shooting second half pushes Pitt past Orange, 64-53

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • January 25, 2022
For the first 20 minutes on Tuesday night, Pitt seemed destined for another dismal offensive performance and subsequent loss. But in a tale of two halves, the Panthers downed rival Syracuse, 64-53, behind some hot shooting in the second half.
Pitt sophomore guard Femi Odukale (2) and Virginia sophomore guard Reece Beekman (2) chase the ball at Wednesday’s game at the Petersen Events Center.

Column | Capel’s inability to manage games continues to hamstring already depleted Panthers

By Jermaine Sykes, Staff Writer • January 21, 2022
While the offense struggled down the stretch in the second half, the Panthers’ defense had struggles of its own. Despite a rough start, the Cavaliers offense got better looks in the second half and capitalized on them. Head coach Jeff Capel’s defense had no answer for Virginia’s offense late in the first half and beyond.
Pitt senior guard Onye Ezeakudo (31) takes a shot during the Pitt vs. Colgate men’s basketball game on Dec. 9.

Ezeakudo rewarded for impact on Pitt basketball with scholarship

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • January 19, 2022
One of the highest honors that a college basketball walk-on can earn is, ironically, ceasing to be a walk-on. Onye Ezeakudo did just that last week — the highlight of a career at Pitt where he’s achieved what few walk-ons are able to.
Pittsburgh forward Mouhamadou Gueye (15) drives around Louisville forward Matt Cross (33) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Louisville, Ky., Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022.

Gueye’s emergence gives Pitt men’s basketball a ‘different look’

By Kyle Saxon, Senior Staff Writer • January 18, 2022
Mouhamadou Gueye has been one of the biggest contributors to recent successes for Pitt men’s basketball. His role was limited early on, but now the rangy big man is doing it all for the improving Panthers.
Coaches and staff look on as senior guard Jamarius Burton dribbles the ball at Saturday afternoon's game vs. Louisville.

Pitt handily beats Louisville, 65-53, for second conference win

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • January 15, 2022
In the rematch of a Jan. 5 barn-burner, Pitt thoroughly beat Louisville to earn its second conference win of the season, one that serves as further proof of the team’s holistic improvement.
Pitt head coach Jeff Capel calls to his team as they play against Boston College during the second half of the game on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Pittsburgh.

Pitt flounders in second half, losses 77-61 at Syracuse

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • January 11, 2022
Pitt men’s basketball followed up its first conference win of the season by laying an egg in the second half at Syracuse. The Panthers got outscored by 13 in the second half and suffered their third loss by double-digits.
Pitt sophomore forward John Hugley (23), left, dunks the ball during Pitt’s game against Boston College at the Petersen Events Center on Saturday.

Column | Pitt has begun a slow but steady climb back from the bottom

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • January 9, 2022
Pitt men’s basketball is showing signs of hope. After having to take moral victories from close losses at the beginning of conference play, Stephen Thompson argues the Panthers are playing their best ball with a wide-open conference schedule ahead.
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