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.

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.