Pitt tabs Freire as deputy athletic director
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
March 24, 2016
Pitt athletics announced a new hire on Thursday afternoon. No, not that hire. Athletic Director Scott Barnes announced the department had hired University of Tennessee at Martin Athletic Director Julio Freire as Pitt’s deputy athletic director for external affairs. Freire will oversee fundraising,...
Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon accepts TCU job
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
March 21, 2016
For Pitt and men’s basketball head coach Jamie Dixon, the 2015-2016 season was unlucky No. 13. After 13 seasons at the helm, Dixon has accepted an offer from Texas Christian University — his alma mater — to become its new head coach, Pitt athletic director Scott Barnes announced at a press con...
Pitt defense must improve to ensure consistent success
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
January 29, 2016
Twenty games into Pitt men’s basketball’s 2015-2016 campaign, and one thing is abundantly clear: the team will have to win games with offense. The Panthers are a weak defensive team right now, surrendering open shots and points in the paint too frequently, allowing their opponents to consistently sh...
Fixing the NFL’s Pro Bowl Problem
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
January 25, 2016
It’s that time of year again. That time when the biggest stars in the National Football League face off against one another, playing in one ultimate contest where pride and respect are on the line. Just kidding. The 2016 NFL Pro Bowl kicks off this Sunday in Hawaii and, quite frankly, is perhaps t...
Hapless offense dooms Pitt at Louisville
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
January 15, 2016
At the KFC Yum! Center on Thursday evening, the Pitt offense never tasted success. The No. 20 Panthers shot an abysmal 26.1 percent from the field, falling to the No. 20 Louisville Cardinals 59-41 in an ugly performance on the road. Pitt won the tip, and Michael Young quickly nailed a long two...
Pitt basketball jumps in both polls following road win
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
January 11, 2016
Following an impressive road win in South Bend, Indiana, the Pitt men’s basketball team saw its rankings jump Monday afternoon. The Panthers’ (14-1, 3-0 ACC) placing spot in the USA Today Sports coaches poll improved from No. 21 to No. 17, while their spot in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll went ...
Whitehead named to FWAA All-Freshman Team
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
January 11, 2016
Jordan Whitehead’s big freshman season just earned him another honor. The Football Writers Association of America named the Pitt football safety to its 15th annual Freshman All-American team as one of five defensive backs selected. A 10-person panel consisting of writers representing each Football ...
Artis, Pitt prepared for first road game of season
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
January 7, 2016
Sitting at No. 24 in the AP poll and 13-1 overall, the Pitt men’s basketball team appears ready for the road. Leaving the Petersen Events Center for the first time since Dec. 20, the Panthers will enter South Bend, Indiana, with a nine-game winning streak and confidence. Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon ...
Pitt survives close call against Western Carolina 79-73
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 23, 2015
It was a closer game than expected, but the Pitt men’s basketball team surmounted the Western Carolina Catamounts Wednesday evening. The Panthers edged out Western Carolina by a score of 79-73 at the Petersen Events Center, boosted by a season-best 29 points by junior forward Jamel Artis. Pitt’s...
Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney departing Pitt for Georgia
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 12, 2015
Pitt football offensive coordinator Jim Chaney is leaving the team and accepting the same position at the University of Georgia, a source confirmed. 2015 was Chaney's first season as Pitt's offensive coordinator, as he joined new head coach Pat Narduzzi's staff in January. Chaney has served as...
Military Bowl matchup features plenty of intrigue
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 8, 2015
When Pitt learned it’s bowl destination on Sunday afternoon, many Pitt fans were frustrated that the team earned a trip to one of the two lowest tier ACC-affiliated bowls. The Panthers finished with a better record than all four ACC teams who received higher tier bowls than them, but geographic and f...
Conner strong: James Conner begins own fight after history of helping others
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 6, 2015
Mike Gallagher, a close family friend of James Conner, arrived at the star’s recovery room just as his anesthesia began to wear off. Conner, a Pitt football running back, underwent a biopsy last Tuesday that would later reveal he had cancer. Gallagher — or “Pops” as Conner calls him — had ret...
Pitt cruises in City Game rout of Duquesne
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 4, 2015
In the annual battle between Pittsburgh’s two Division I basketball teams, the Panthers feasted. Despite trailing before the opening tip even occurred the Pitt men’s basketball rolled in the annual city game, defeating the crosstown Duquesne Dukes 96-75 Friday night at the CONSOL Energy Center. “That’s...
James Conner diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 4, 2015
Pitt star running back James Conner announced that he has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer, at a press conference Friday afternoon. Conner, who missed the season with a torn MCL, received the diagnosis on Thanksgiving. “When I heard I got cancer, I was a little...
Hometown hero: Dan Marino honored at alma mater Central Catholic
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 2, 2015
Hall of Fame quarterback and Pitt alum Dan Marino returned home Tuesday morning, receiving another honor to add to his decorated resumé. But unlike the Pro Bowl berths, the 1984 MVP or his Hall of Fame bust, this award also celebrated what led to those accolades and the place that fostered the legendary si...
Whitehead, Ollison earn ACC Rookie of the Year awards
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 1, 2015
The Pitt football team swept the conference’s rookie of the year awards Tuesday, becoming the first team in ACC history to take both rookie honors. One day after the Panthers placed eight players on All-ACC teams, freshman safety Jordan Whitehead earned the ACC overall and defensive rookie of the year...
Storify: Football recruiting Twitter barrage sends Pitt fans into frenzy
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 1, 2015
[View the story "#H2P Madness" on Storify]...
Pitt football places eight on All-ACC teams
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
December 1, 2015
Following an ACC loss on Friday to Miami, the Pitt football team received a conference “win” of sorts on Monday afternoon. The Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association selected eight Panthers in total to either the first, second, third or honorable mention teams, recognizing them as some of the best player...
Pitt men’s basketball adds three in early signing period
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 18, 2015
With the early recruit signing period coming to a close, the Pitt men’s basketball team announced the three newest members of the Panther Hoops program. A University release announced that Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon signed three out-of-state recruits —Justice Kithcart, Crisshawn Clark and Corey Manig...
Walters lights up Red Flash in 74-59 road win against St. Francis
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 17, 2015
Against the St. Francis Red Flash, it was Kalista Walters who shined brightest. The Pitt women’s basketball team never trailed Monday evening, defeating St. Francis 74-59 in Loretto, Pennsylvania, to move to 2-0 on the season. Walters, a freshman, led the Panthers with a game-high 26 points. “Wa...
Slippery when wet: Pitt game against Gonzaga called due to floor conditions
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 13, 2015
The Pitt men’s basketball team traveled 6600 miles for a game that didn’t even count. During the first intermission, the referees determined the Panthers’ game against the No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs would not continue due to slippery court conditions on the military base court in Okinawa, Japan. The...
Scouting the Oakland neighborhoods
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 13, 2015
Finding a place to live can be more daunting than a charging 250-pound linebacker. Thousands of students scramble every winter to find housing, hoping for a good fit and avoid the scrum. With such a big decision and so many other students hunting for housing, we’ve decided to break down housing arou...
Heed history in response to Missouri protests
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 11, 2015
In the face of racial adversity, a football team stood up for justice. The players stood as one, risking missing a game in order to ensure a safe environment for all people. This scenario casts the 2015 Missouri football team, where players ceased football activities until the school’s president, Ti...
Change-up: five positional switches for Pitt to consider
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 10, 2015
On Saturday, the Pitt football team couldn’t pull off a monumental upset, falling to the loaded No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 42-30 at Heinz Field. But even with the loss, the Panthers stumbled upon an interesting offensive development. Head coach Pat Narduzzi occasionally used freshman safety ...
Q+A: The Observer answers pressing questions about Notre Dame football
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 5, 2015
With Pitt and No. 5 Notre Dame matching up Saturday for the first time since 2013, the Panthers will face a new-look team from South Bend that features some of the nation’s top playmakers. The Pitt News reached out to Notre Dame’s student newspaper, The Observer, and its sports editor Zach Klosinski, t...
Storify: Roc makes surprise appearance at CMA’s
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 5, 2015
While ABC was celebrating the best of country music, a little bit of Roc made its way onto the stage Wednesday night. Pitt's mascot and some of his well-known NCAA colleagues performed behind Brad Paisley at the Country Music Awards on ABC. Paisley was performing his song "Country Nation" that shouts...
Luxbacher retires after 32 seasons as Pitt men’s soccer head coach
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 3, 2015
Pitt men’s soccer head coach Joe Luxbacher is retiring after 32 years as head coach, the University announced Tuesday. Luxbacher is only the second coach in the program’s history and a two-time Big East Coach of the Year. He compiled a 224-267-69 record during his career at Pitt, highlighted by a...
Tar Heeled: UNC’s Williams runs wild on No. 23 Panthers in 26-19 loss
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
October 30, 2015
On a breezy Thursday night, North Carolina senior quarterback Marquise Williams routinely blew by Pitt defenders. Williams threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns, completing 14 of 23 passes and running for 52 yards on nine carries. He served as the lynchpin for the Tar Heels’ 26-19 win over the No. 2...
Crucial game Thursday a rare opportunity for Pitt students
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
October 28, 2015
For the first marquee home matchup in six years, Pitt football is the team with a bullseye on their back. The Panthers have suffered through mediocre season after mediocre season this decade. They sport a new look now, ranking No. 23 in the AP Top 25 Poll and No. 24 in the Amway Coaches Poll. They ...
Narduzzi candidate for prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Award
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
October 21, 2015
After a string of his players earned spots on award watch lists, Pitt football head coach Pat Narduzzi received some recognition of his own Wednesday morning. The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named Narduzzi one of 22 candidates for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award, which they presen...
AP ranking a sign of things to come for Pitt football
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
October 19, 2015
The Chicago Cubs are in the playoffs. Donald Trump is running for president. And Pitt football is ranked in the AP poll. What a time to be alive. Following a win on Saturday at Georgia Tech, head coach Pat Narduzzi and his Pitt Panthers garnered recognition in the Associated Press’ national poll,...
Defense, fans fuel homecoming win over Virginia
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
October 11, 2015
Late Saturday afternoon, the Panthers had the University of Virginia football team backed up against their own end zone. The fans were there to see it. Fans bellowed “Sweet Caroline” through Heinz Field following the third quarter, with Pitt running back Qadree Ollison re-opening play with a fumble one yard ...
Narduzzi’s defensive system continues to suppress, impress
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
October 4, 2015
BLACKSBURG, Virginia — While Pitt quarterback Nathan Peterman spends most of his time studying and reading opposing defenses, after Saturday’s win, he gave a quick analysis of his own team’s unit. “Our defense is really a championship-level defense. It’s great to have them,” Peterman said. ...
Narduzzi bringing defensive swagger to Pitt football
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 23, 2015
All honeymoons end. The moment newly hired Pitt football head coach Pat Narduzzi began to speak at his introductory press conference on Dec. 26, the signal caller’s enthusiasm and vigor enthralled Panther fans. It was a stark contrast to former head coach Paul Chryst, who has a more reserved demeano...
Former Pitt wrestler Bright arrested following Friday incident
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 22, 2015
The Pittsburgh Police department arrested former Pitt wrestler Edgar Bright following an incident Friday night. Bright was charged with seven total counts including aggravated assault, firearm violations and drug possession. According to E.J. Borghetti, Pitt’s associate athletic director for media re...
Catching up with Tray Woodall
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 21, 2015
After seeing the court for 139 games over his Pitt career that spanned from 2008 to 2013, former star point guard Tray Woodall left the University and trekked the globe. Since leaving Oakland, Woodall has played professionally in Turkey, Greece, Kosovo and Mexico, serving as a role player throughout his...
Pitt football notebook: Week three
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 15, 2015
Before Pitt sets off for Kinnick Stadium, questions about position battles and health linger following a 24-7 win at Akron on Saturday. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi addressed his team’s quarterback controversy, injuries and depth at his weekly press conference Monday at the UPMC Sports Performance...
College athletes require a union
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 11, 2015
You don’t have to scour the landscape of collegiate athletics to find examples of malpractice and mistreatment. Recently, the Virginia Tech Hokies football team’s fine implementation system became a peak point of the college athletic terrain, as defensive coordinator Bud Foster revealed in an...
James Conner out for year with torn MCL
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 8, 2015
Following an injury against Youngstown State University on Saturday, Pitt junior running back James Conner will miss the remainder of the season because of a torn MCL in his right knee, head coach Pat Narduzzi announced at his weekly press conference on Monday. Narduzzi said while the severity of...
Brian O’Neill builds body, changes positions
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 4, 2015
It wasn’t a GNC protein bar or rare animal meat that Pitt redshirt freshman Brian O’Neill credited as a staple of his weight-gaining regimen this offseason. Instead, the first of six meals he ate every day was much more mundane. “I’d wake up at about 3:30 in the morning and eat two peanut but...
Pitt football uses memory of 2012 loss to prepare for opener against Youngstown State
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 3, 2015
Three years ago, Pitt tight end J.P. Holtz was an eager, inexperienced freshman, a Pittsburgh kid from Shaler Area High School ready to play in his first collegiate game. That game was against Youngstown State University, and it was of significant proportions. It was the season opener of Pitt’s fin...
Pitt announces addition of Milligan to 2015-2016 roster
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 1, 2015
The Pitt men’s basketball team picked up a last-minute addition to its 2016 class on Tuesday, as it officially announced the signing of former Kilgore College point guard Jonathan Milligan. Milligan, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound point guard, averaged 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last y...
Pitt Football Notebook: Week One
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 1, 2015
In preparation for his head coaching debut Saturday against Youngstown State University, Pat Narduzzi held his first weekly press conference on Monday afternoon. Here are some crucial tidbits and takeaways from what the new head coach shared with the media. O Captains! My Captains! Narduzzi elaborated...
Legendary Pitt coach Moore to have major award named in his honor
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 1, 2015
Former Pitt offensive line coach Joe Moore, an unsung hero in the program’s storied history, will have an award formed in his name, according to a release. The Joe Moore Award, launched by the Joe Moore Foundation for Teamwork, will go to the best offensive line unit in the nation. It will be the o...
Junior running back Ibrahim out for 2015 season with injury
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
August 30, 2015
Backup junior running back Rachid Ibrahim will miss the entire 2015 season because of a torn Achilles tendon, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi announced on Wednesday. In his media briefing, Narduzzi referred to the injury as a “non-contact, freak injury.” The first-year head coach noted the team likely wo...
2015 marks monumental year for Pitt athletics
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
August 30, 2015
Change comes in waves, particularly in college athletics. The University of Pittsburgh is not immune to those shifting tides. One year ago, Pitt’s athletic program boasted a third-year head football coach for the first time since 2010 and a men’s basketball team coming off of an appearance in the R...
Pitt men’s basketball aims to fix rebounding woes with added frontcourt depth
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
August 30, 2015
For junior center Michael Young, every basketball season comes down to three words: tournament or bust. Last season, the team’s season ended with a whimper, losing in embarrassing fashion to George Washington 60-54 in the first round of the NIT Tournament. The team had failed to reach the NCAA To...
Pitt Football Training Camp Notebook: Aug. 10
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
August 30, 2015
With a new head coach in Pat Narduzzi, an exciting crop of recruits, an electrifying offense and a new catch phrase to boot, Pitt football players are feeling that the 2015 season might be “it” for Pitt. After a long offseason, the Panthers opened up their first training camp of the season on Monday ...
Newkirk to transfer from Pitt following offseason knee injury
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
August 30, 2015
Following a May microfracture surgery on his left knee, junior point guard Josh Newkirk will transfer from Pitt, the school announced Sunday. According to head basketball coach Jamie Dixon, Newkirk is hoping to get in closer proximity to his home state of North Carolina. “Josh is looking to get...
July 8 News and Notes: Catching up on Pitt sports from the past week
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
July 7, 2015
AWARD WATCH: The Maxwell Football Club named Pitt running back James Conner and wide receiver Tyler Boyd to the Maxwell Award watch list, the University announced Tuesday. The award annually recognizes the best college football player in the nation. Two Panthers have won the award in the past, including run...
Finding faults in LeBron James an irritatingly off-base excercise
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
June 19, 2015
In the choose-your-own-adventure book that has been LeBron James’ basketball career, it appears that the final page is inevitable — polarization.The greatest basketball player in the world — a title that only the most out-of-touch and hard-headed fans would even consider disputing — has inexp...
June 17 News and Notes: Catching up on Pitt sports from the past week
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
June 16, 2015
BOYD CHARGED: The Jefferson Hills District Court officially chargedPitt wide receiver Tyler Boyd with driving under the influence and other summary offenses following a Friday morning incident. According to a court representative, the preliminary hearing is “temporarily” set for Aug. 5. Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi called the si...
Pitt star Boyd charged with DUI
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
June 13, 2015
Pitt junior wide receiver Tyler Boyd has been charged with driving under the influence after an arrest following an early Friday morning incident in Jefferson Hills, Pa.On Monday, the Jefferson Hills District Court confirmed that the charges were filed against the junior wideout. According to a court r...
Litany of rule changes in place for upcoming men’s, women’s basketball seasons
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
June 9, 2015
On Monday, the NCAA announced the implementation of significant rule changes in both men’s and women’s basketball. Highlighted below are some of the key developments, as well as the NCAA’s rationale for doing so.MEN’S BASKETBALL30-second shot clockWHAT: In a move that has been in the making for som...
Five key obstacles to tackle for new AD Barnes
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
May 28, 2015
When Pitt introduced Scott Barnes as Pitt’s athletic director in late April, he assumed the face of an entire athletic department fielding numerous questions — especially following the dismissal of former director Steve Pederson.As Barnes prepares to begin his tenure at Pitt on June 15, here are the ...
Trio of new bigs will be key for a Pitt basketball turnaround year
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
May 26, 2015
After a 2014-2015 season in which the Pitt men’s basketball team struggled to establish a strong presence in the paint, head coach Jamie Dixon is making a big gamble heading into the upcoming season.With former Richmond forward Alonzo Nelson-Ododa announcing his transfer to Pitt this past weekend, t...
Pitt softball dream season ends despite successful weekend slate
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
May 19, 2015
After a defining season, in which the Pitt softball team set a program high for wins, the Panthers were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament Regional round this weekend. The team went 2-2 overall in its slate of games in Ann Arbor, Mich., from Friday to Sunday. FRIDAY, MAY 15: CALIFORNIA 11, PITT 3Pitt...
Curb early expectations, not enthusiasm, for Pat Narduzzi
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
May 19, 2015
Hope springs eternal, but unbridled optimism springs sparingly.There is a palpable excitement in Pittsburgh regarding the Pitt football program and the direction in which it is headed.Thanks to the enthusiasm and vigor of new head coach Pat Narduzzi, hired in December following the shocking departure of fo...
Modic grand slam propels Pitt one step closer to Super Regionals
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
May 16, 2015
Despite a loss in its first contest of the 2015 NCAA Tournament, the Pitt softball team survived on Saturday, winning its two Sunday games to remain in play for a Super Regional berth.The Panthers could not afford a misstep in either game following their loss to Cal on Friday, as the Regional round is double...
After big ACC Tournament, softball earns first-ever NCAA bid
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
May 12, 2015
For the first time in program history, the Pitt softball team is going dancing.Following a surprising run to the ACC Tournament Championship, the Panthers learned Sunday evening that they earned the school’s first-ever selection to the NCAA Tournament.Pitt will open up tournament play in the regiona...
Pitt softball falls to Florida State late in ACC Championship
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
May 9, 2015
After a surprising surge to the ACC Tournament Championship game, the Pitt softball team fell in the final game, losing to the top seeded Florida State Seminoles 6-2.Florida State, the 10th ranked team in the nation, jumped out to a quick lead against Panther ace Savannah King, scoring unanswered runs in the first...
King’s solid performance does not salvage series
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
April 5, 2015
After starting the season with startling success, the once-predatory Panther softball team has become the prey.The team’s struggles continued on Saturday when Pitt fell to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Pittsburgh by a score of 3-2, marking its seventh loss in the last eight contests.The Panthers (25...
Fitzgerald, Donald named honorary coaches in Spring Game
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
April 1, 2015
The stars will be out at Highmark Stadium on April 18, as Pitt announced that former Panthers and current NFL stars Larry Fitzgerald and Aaron Donald will serve as honorary head coaches for the program’s annual Blue-Gold Spring Game.“Larry and Aaron are not only legendary Panthers, but also two of the el...
Pitt News looks back on women’s basketball predictions
By The Pitt News Staff
March 26, 2015
Pitt’s women’s basketball team completed a remarkable season when it advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to No. 2 seed Tennessee.Making the tournament was a surprise. Before the season started, voters picked the Panthers to finish last in the ACC after several seasons of ...
Great expectations: TPN looks back on men’s basketball predictions
By Chris Puzia and Dan Sostek / The Pitt News staff
March 25, 2015
Although the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament begins Thursday, and the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) have just finished, Pitt’s men’s basketball team is absent from both tournaments.The Panthers, who lost their first NIT game to George Washington University on Ma...
Storybook season ends with loss despite herculean performance by Kiesel
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 23, 2015
Despite a season in which the team overcame numerous odds, the Pitt women’s basketball team couldn’t surmount the challenge of the No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers, falling by a score of 77-67 in Nashville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Monday evening.The Panthers, who the official ACC ...
Wrestlers make final push as baseball, softball enter crunch time
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 19, 2015
Baseball Pitt heads into its next ACC series with some momentum, coming off a series win against the then-No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels as well as taking one of three from the No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers. The Panthers (9-10, 3-3 ACC) will travel south to Durham, N.C., to take on the Duke Blue Devils (...
Pitt’s season ends with first-round NIT loss to George Washington
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 18, 2015
The NIT run seemed to end as quickly as it began.The Pitt men’s basketball team’s run in the National Invitation Tournament was a short one, as the George Washington Colonials eliminated the Panthers 60-54 at the Petersen Events Center Tuesday evening, ending Pitt’s 2014-2015 campaign.The loss m...
Dixon’s extended tenure should not go unappreciated
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 17, 2015
Jamie Dixon could have gotten out of dodge, if the slew of reports two springs ago gained any credence.The then-48-year-old Pitt men’s basketball head coach could have escaped the frigid winters of western Pennsylvania for the warm coastline of the University of Southern California, a short drive from his birthplace in Nort...
March Sadness: Panthers fall to NC State in first ACC tournament game
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 11, 2015
GREENSBORO, NC- The Pitt men’s basketball team was outmatched Wednesday evening in the second round of the ACC tournament, as the North Carolina State Wolfpack devoured the Panthers in Greensboro by a final score of 81-70.NC State was led by sophomore guard Anthony “Cat” Barber, who tallied a ...
Panthers’ ACC trip comes to disappointing halt
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 5, 2015
The clock ticked a little closer to midnight for the Pitt women’s basketball team’s Cinderella season, as the No. 7-seed Panthers fell to the No. 15-seed Virginia Tech Hokies by a final score of 51-45 in the second round of the ACC Tournament.The contest, which took place in Greensboro, N.C., st...
Panthers earn No. 7 seed in ACC tournament
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 2, 2015
There’s a reason that basketball games aren’t played on paper, and Pitt’s women’s team embodies it.More than four months ago, the Panthers placed last in the official ACC preseason poll. Expectations were miniscule for Pitt in its second year in the ACC. The ranking was not unwarranted. The tea...
Five factors are key to Pitt’s finishing season strong
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 26, 2015
As Pitt (19-10, 8-7 ACC) enters the homestretch of the regular season, the team is hoping to avoid any blemishes on its resumé before traveling to Greensboro for the ACC tournament. With a manageable remaining three games – at Wake Forest (12-16, 4-11 ACC), against Miami (18-10, 8-7 ACC) at home ...
Panthers steamrolled by No. 4 Notre Dame despite Kiesel’s 27
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 26, 2015
Pitt’s women’s basketball team could not contend with ferocious onslaught of No. 4 Notre Dame’s offense Thursday evening, falling to the Fighting Irish 87-59 in South Bend, Ind.Even after falling into an early 14-4 deficit, the Panthers (18-10, 8-7 ACC) remained competitive early on in the game, ...
Young playing up to bigger competition
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 25, 2015
At 6-foot-9, Michael Young is a large human being by most standards.But on the basketball court, Pitt’s sophomore center seems tiny, constantly going up against behemoths one to four inches taller than him.This was the case on Tuesday evening against Boston College, when Young faced 7-foot Dennis ...
Kiesel one of 15 finalist for Nancy Lieberman Award
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 23, 2015
Although the Pitt women’s basketball team still doesn’t know its postseason destination, the team received some good news Monday in the form of an individual accolade.Senior guard Brianna Kiesel has been named one of 15 finalists for the 2015 Nancy Lieberman Award. The nomination recognizes her...
Panthers punish No. 12 Tar Heels in 89-76 upset victory
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 14, 2015
Following a game in which the team’s offense went over 10 minutes without a field goal last Wednesday at Louisville, the Pitt men’s basketball team felt some pressure mounting to improve offensively.“Our toughness and manhood got questioned after that Louisville game,” sophomore forward Sheldon Jeter sa...
Artis named ACC Player of the Week after two-game outburst
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 9, 2015
For the first time this season, a Pitt men’s basketball player has taken home an ACC weekly honor.Sophomore forward Jamel Artis was named ACC Player of the Week for his performances against Bryant and Syracuse.As it’s Pitt’s second year in the conference, Artis is only the second Panther recognized as ACC Playe...
RE21PECT: Jeter sparks Pitt off bench in win over Syracuse
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 8, 2015
Pitt men’s basketball head coach Jamie Dixon described the sea of fresh, black Oakland Zoo T-shirts as “as good as we’ve ever had.” But the novel concept of a “blackout” crowd wasn’t what stuck out the most following Pitt’s 83-77 home victory over Syracuse this weekend.Instead, Sheldon ...
Former Panther basketball players continuing careers in various countries
By Dan Sostek and Chris Puzia / The Pitt News Staff
February 6, 2015
When Travon Woodall finished his Pitt basketball career in 2013, he may not have known where his professional aspirations would take him.The answer, apparently, is Estonia.Woodall, who graduated from Pitt in 2013, has reportedly signed with Estonian team Rakvere Tarvas after playing in two games with B...
Pitt win keeps NCAA tourney hopes alive
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 1, 2015
A few eyebrows raised after Pitt’s men’s basketball team triumphed over No. 8 Notre Dame on Saturday. Yet, a bold prediction from Fighting Irish’s head coach Mike Brey was the real surprise of the night.“They’re an NCAA tournament team,” Brey said of Pitt at his postgame press conference. “I...
Narduzzi, staff finishing recruiting season at a sprint
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
January 26, 2015
Since taking over the Pitt football program after the sudden departure of Paul Chryst, new head coach Pat Narduzzi has been busy on the recruiting trail. Narduzzi and his newly assembled staff have already received six commitments. Here is a rundown on the sextet of future Panthers.JAY STOCKER The firs...
Panthers not overlooking Tuesday’s challenge of Virginia Tech
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
January 26, 2015
Louisville head coach Rick Pitino wasn’t afraid to say what was on the mind of countless Pitt fans following the Panthers’ 80-68 loss to the Cardinals Sunday at the Petersen Events Center.“This [Pitt] team is not as good as other Pitt teams,” the esteemed coach Rick Pitino said in his postgame press confer...
Seminoles drub turnover-prone Panthers 58-43 in Tallahassee
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
January 15, 2015
The Pitt women’s basketball was unable to ride the momentum of a historic victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels, falling to the 20th ranked Florida State Seminoles on Thursday evening by a final score of 58-43 in Tallahassee.After Pitt jumped ahead 4-2 with 16:21 remaining in the first half, Florid...
Dixon: Pitt must focus on rebounding against Florida State
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
January 13, 2015
In a 71-62 loss to Clemson on Saturday afternoon, the Pitt men’s basketball team had one of its worst rebounding performances under head coach Jamie Dixon. Now, Dixon and his team will try to rebound and redeem themselves on Wednesday evening in a home contest against Florida State.The 2014-2015 Se...
Rebounding an ongoing shortcoming for Panthers
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
January 11, 2015
After an underwhelming start to the 2014-2015 season and a disappointing 1-2 record to begin ACC play, the Pitt men’s basketball team has a big problem — literally.Under head coach Jamie Dixon, the Panthers program has been noted for the team’s physical play, and it almost always had a large, ...
Five takeaways from Pitt’s weekend bowl game
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
January 5, 2015
After a loss that saw the team surrender a 28-point lead to the University of Houston in the fourth quarter of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on Friday, there’s a litany of negatives we can harp on regarding the Pitt football team’s performance in its final game of the 2014-2015 season. Despite...
Rookie Donald one of three former Panthers to earn Pro Bowl invite
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
December 24, 2014
Three former University of Pittsburgh football players– Aaron Donald, LeSean McCoy and Darrelle Revis– were named to the 2015 Pro Bowl roster, according to an NFL announcement Tuesday night.Donald, a rookie defensive tackle for the St. Louis Rams, earned his first Pro Bowl appearance. The 2014 f...
Late push leads Panthers to comeback win over Oakland
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
December 20, 2014
After seven ties and 23 lead changes, the Pittsburgh Panthers’ men’s basketball team was able to escape the Petersen Events Center with an 81-77 overtime victory over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies on Saturday afternoon.Taking on an Oakland team that going into the contest had allowed an average of...
Artis, Wright lead Pitt to a 65-56 victory over Manhattan
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
December 18, 2014
In a game that the team controlled from opening tip, the Pitt Panthers’ men’s basketball team defeated the Manhattan Jaspers by a score of 65-56 at the Petersen Events Center Wednesday evening. The Panthers’ defense thrived early on in the game, as the team forced 10 turnovers within the fir...
Steve Pederson steps down from Pitt athletic director position
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
December 17, 2014
Steve Pederson has resigned as Pitt’s athletic director, according to a release on Wednesday evening.Pederson worked as Pitt’s athletic director from 1996 to 2002, and returned to the school in the same capacity in 2007 after five years as Nebraska’s athletic director. In one of his most notew...
Defense key as Panthers survive in 58-54 victory over Bonnies
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
December 13, 2014
In a hard-fought contest in which neither team could pull away, the Pitt Panthers’ men’s basketball team was able to eke out a victory against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies, securing a 58-54 win on Saturday afternoon. Sophomore forward Jamel Artis kicked off the scoring for the Pitt by nailing a contested three-pointer for...
Conner named ACC Player of the Year
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
December 3, 2014
Pitt running back James Conner built further on his accolade-filled 2014 season on Wednesday afternoon, as the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association named the sophomore the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year.The bruising running back received 16 votes for the award, edging out the 2013 reci...
Pitt begins Maui Invitational with Chaminade
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
November 23, 2014
The Pitt men’s basketball team prepares to kick off the tournament portion of the 2014 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational beginning on Monday. This is a breakdown of the rest of the field.Chaminade: Serving as the host school for the invitational, the Division II Chaminade Silverswords are Pitt’s first-round ...
It’s a trap (game)! Pitt ekes out close win over Samford
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
November 16, 2014
In a contest much closer than expected, the Pitt men’s basketball team defeated the Samford Bulldogs by a final score of 63-56 in the first leg of the EA Sports Maui Invitational.Pitt struggled in the first half, adjusting to Samford’s tenacious, in-your-face defense and full-court press, and tra...
Panthers handle Niagara for first win of season
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
November 14, 2014
In a game that the team dominated from the very start, the Pitt Panthers' men's basketball team easily defeated the Niagara Purple Eagles, winning by a final score of 78-45.Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon went with a starting lineup of James Robinson, Chris Jones, Jamel Artis, Mike Young and Joseph Uchebo...
Men’s basketball to open 2015-2016 season in Japan
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
November 14, 2014
The Pitt Panthers’ men’s basketball team will open its 2015-2016 season in Japan, according to a press release sent out Friday morning.The team will square off against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in Okinawa, Japan on Friday, November 13th of 2015, participating in the fourth annual Armed Forces Classic. T...
Hypocrisy apparent in recent Todd Gurley suspension
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
November 12, 2014
“The only guy that has stopped [Georgia running back Todd Gurley] was the autograph guy,” Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson was quoted as saying earlier this week.This happens to be the case more and more often in college athletics: The titans of the NCAA are being toppled not by strong def...
TPN predicts Pitt women’s basketball
By The Pitt News Staff
November 5, 2014
Here are some of our staff's predictions for the upcoming Pitt women's basketball season:Dan Sostek, Assistant Sports Editor The program clearly has the right woman for the job in Suzie McConnell-Serio, but the Panthers will continue to rebuild in 2014-2015. With a litany of injuries, most notably red...
Conner, Clemmings earn ACC weekly honors
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
November 5, 2014
Despite a 51-48 loss to the Duke Blue Devils this past weekend at Heinz Field, the Atlantic Coast Conference recognized two players on the Pitt football team Monday for outstanding performances. Sophomore running back James Conner was named the ACC co-offensive back of the week, while senior offensive...