Champagnie makes history, Pitt walks over Bulldogs, 67-50

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • December 12, 2020

Pitt men’s basketball (4-1 overall) started strong and cruised to the finish against Gardner-Webb (0-2 overall) for a 67-50 win on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers were fueled by another milestone performance from sophomore forward Justin Champagnie, who became the first Pitt player in program history to record consecutive 20-point, 20-rebound games.

Johnson shines in wild second half, Pitt tops Wildcats 71-70

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • December 10, 2020

Simply put, Pitt Men’s basketball has been bad on the road under third-year head coach Jeff Capel. The Panthers are 2-20 in true road games with Capel at the helm, but took a step towards flipping that script on Wednesday night. 

3-point barrage gives Pitt blowout 89-59 win over Northern Illinois

By Alex Lehmbeck, Sports Editor • December 6, 2020

Nonconference games against non-power five programs aren’t supposed to be stressful. The Panthers first two games of the season featured tight matchups, but Pitt (2-1) finally earned a worry-free blowout victory on Saturday, defeating the Northern Illinois Huskies (0-3) 89-59 at the Petersen Events Center.

Premier Panthers push Pitt to win over Drexel, 83-74

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • November 28, 2020

Pitt’s “Big 3” of Junior guards Xavier Johnson and Au’Diese Toney, plus sophomore forward Justin Champagnie, came through early and often on Saturday. They combined for 66 points to power the Panthers (1-1 overall) to an 83-74 win over Drexel (0-1 overall).

Men’s basketball returners eagerly prepare for a season in limbo

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • October 16, 2020

Jeff Capel revamped his Pitt men’s basketball roster this offseason. Now he opens a season like no other with expectations weighing heavier and heavier.

In the shadow of The Mecca: Reflecting on the Pitt-NY basketball pipeline

By Ben Bobeck, Senior Staff Writer • April 10, 2020

During the heyday of Pitt men’s basketball in the Big East conference — the period in which former head coach Jamie Dixon’s teams appeared in eight straight NCAA Tournaments between 2004 and 2011 — nearly every borough of New York City was represented on the Panthers’ roster.

Champagnie’s 30 propels Pitt past Wake in ACC Tournament

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • March 10, 2020

But at their most desperate, the Panthers were efficient, tenacious and energetic at the end of a dragging ACC schedule. And after trailing for most of the game, Pitt unearthed a new level of emotion. A 13-4 run in the twilight of the second half propelled the Panthers (16-16 overall, 7-14 ACC) to a 81-72 victory over Wake Forest (14-17 overall, 6-15 ACC) in the first round of the ACC Tournament on Tuesday evening. 

Men’s basketball to lengthen losing streak at Georgia Tech

By Camryn Simons, for the Pitt News • March 4, 2020

Pitt men’s basketball is currently riding a six-game losing streak. The Panthers are sliding at the wrong time, but their schedule grants them a small break. On Wednesday, they get a rematch with the last team they beat. In their last game of the regular season, the Pittsburgh Panthers (15-15 overall, 6-13 ACC) will travel to Atlanta to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (15-14 overall, 9-9 ACC) on Wednesday night at 9 p.m.

Shooting woes have wiped out Pitt’s tournament hopes

By Dalton Miller, Staff Writer • February 28, 2020

Pitt has failed to shoot over 40% from the field since Feb. 8 against Georgia Tech, which was also the team’s last victory.

Pitt flops against rival Syracuse on Senior Night

By Stephen Thompson and Tyler Mathes • February 27, 2020

In a game that could have proven pivotal as the Pitt men’s basketball closes the season, the Panthers failed to show up, falling to Syracuse in a lifeless 23-point blowout Wednesday night.