johnson Archives - The Pitt News

Panthers doomed by short Cavalier burst, lose to UVA 73-66

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • February 8, 2021

Pitt men’s basketball was in control for most of the game, but a short run early in the second half cemented UVA’s 73-66 win over the Panthers on Saturday afternoon.

Shifted starting lineup provides spark in 83-72 upset of No. 16 Hokies

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • February 3, 2021

Xavier Johnson’s career-best 32 points was supported by a suffocating defensive effort as Pitt topped No. 16 Virginia Tech, 83-72, for their first win over a ranked opponent in more than two years.

Monstrous second-half comeback gives Pitt first win over Syracuse in Jeff Capel era

By Alex Lehmbeck, Sports Editor • January 8, 2021

Pitt beat Syracuse for the first time since 2017 behind a thrilling second half comeback.

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.

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.

‘Hometown hero’ Nahki Johnson adds agility to Pitt defense

By Camryn Simons, Staff Writer • September 2, 2020

Committing in June of last year, Nahki Johnson adds his name to the long lineage of local prospects to play at Pitt. As one of the highest-rated recruits in Pitt’s 2021 class, Johnson looks to add agility to the defensive line.

Sluggish second half stops Pitt’s ACC Tournament run

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • March 11, 2020

But in their second game in 24 hours, Pitt (16-17 overall, 6-14 ACC) looked like the same worn-out, beat-up team that they had been since conference play began. They ran out of gas in the second half against NC State (20-12 overall, 11-10 ACC), losing 73-58 on Wednesday afternoon.

Win over GT showcases sorely needed skills

By Nick Farabaugh, For the Pitt News • February 10, 2020

From an electric scoring performance by budding star and first-year forward Justin Champagnie, to the evolving, enigmatic nature of sophomore guards Trey McGowens and Xavier Johnson, here are some observations from Pitt’s 73-64 victory over Georgia Tech.

Sophomore stars come up clutch in 62-57 win vs. Miami

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • February 2, 2020

The Panthers (14-8 overall, 5-6 ACC) had dropped seven straight to the Hurricanes (11-10 overall, 3-7 ACC) before defeating the Hurricanes, 62-57, at the Petersen Events Center this weekend.