march madness Archives - The Pitt News

The Pitt News Sports Desk makes their picks for inter-newspaper challenge

By Robert Thompson, Staff Writer • March 19, 2025

Sports sections from six college newspapers across the greater Pittsburgh area are competing to see which school’s writers can put together the best bracket. On Monday night, The Pitt News Sports...

Trends and takes: How the writers on The Pitt News Sports Desk filled out their brackets

By James Carter, Staff Writer • March 19, 2025

March Madness is officially here, which, of course, means millions of Americans are making brackets. The Pitt News Sports Desk is no different, with several staff writers giving their input on how this...

Take Madness | 412 REGION

By Alex Porter, Camille de Jesus, Patrick Diana, and Alex Kiger • March 18, 2025

Welcome to Take Madness, The Pitt News’ version of March Madness, but with hot sports takes. First up — the 412 region, featuring four writers from the Pittsburgh area. You, the readers, can vote...

Dear NCAA, 68 is a magic number — please stop messing with it

By Sean McQuillan, Staff Writer • March 18, 2025

The big dance is perfect. The tournament’s history has solidified some of the best basketball players ever. Whether it’s a projected lottery pick in the NBA Draft or a 5-foot-5-inch point guard from...

Column | Ari’s aura picks: Fielding the March Madness bracket based on vibes

By Ari Meyer, Staff Writer • March 18, 2025

There are many different ways to fill out a March Madness bracket. Some will study team sheets and try to make 63 educated guesses based on statistics. Others will choose based on what mascot would win...

Column | Predicting March Madness’ Cinderellas

By Robert Thompson, Staff Writer • March 17, 2025

Last night, the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee released the field of 68 teams that will compete over the next three weeks, culminating in the national championship in San Antonio on April 7. There...

Preview | Pitt looks to continue tournament run against Iowa State

By Matthew Scabilloni, Staff Writer • March 17, 2023

Pitt men’s basketball isn’t done yet. The Panthers defeated Mississippi State, earning themselves in the round of 64 and a chance to continue their tournament run. But in their way is Iowa State — a scrappy, defensive-minded team out of the Big-12.

‘It’s a dogfight’: Pitt men’s basketball edges out Mississippi State 60-59 in NCAA tournament First Four

By Brian Sherry, Assistant Sports Editor • March 15, 2023

After a seven-year hiatus, the Pitt men’s basketball team returned to the NCAA tournament in dramatic fashion. The Panthers narrowly defeated Mississippi State 60-59, earning their first tournament win since 2014.

Pitt students embrace excitement, unpredictability of team’s first NCAA tournament in seven years

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor • March 14, 2023

Students in Oakland were buzzing about Pitt’s first NCAA tournament appearance in seven years. For all students from first years to seniors, there was plenty of excitement and support behind the team heading into the Panthers First Four game on Tuesday night.

Mississippi State student newspaper breaks down the Bulldogs ahead of First Four match-up

By Brian Sherry, Assistant Sports Editor • March 14, 2023

Who better to talk about an opponent than the opponent themselves? The Pitt News talks with Mississippi State’s student newspaper, The Reflector, ahead of first four matchup.