The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

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

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.
Pitt embarrassed at home by Notre Dame, 84-56

Pitt embarrassed at home by Notre Dame, 84-56

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • January 31, 2021
Pitt (8-5 overall, 4-4 ACC) put forth a performance that head coach Jeff Capel called “deplorable” and “embarrassing” in an 84-58 beat down at the hands of Notre Dame (6-9 overall, 3-6 ACC). The Panthers were unable to keep the Irish’s dribble penetration contained and were buried by their blistering 54% shooting mark on 3-point shots.
Sophomore forward Justin Champagnie scored 23 of Pitt’s 65 points against UNC Tuesday night. Pitt lost 75-65.

Pitt outmuscled by UNC, drops second straight game, 75-65

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • January 27, 2021
On Tuesday night, just one week removed from the Duke win, the mood had completely flipped. Pitt (8-4 overall, 4-3 ACC) was maddeningly sloppy against North Carolina (11-5 overall, 6-3 ACC) and lost 75-65 in deflating fashion at the Pete.
Sophomore forward Justin Champagnie ranks first in the ACC and second in the entire nation with 12.4 rebounds per game.

Column | Pitt basketball’s past struggles have become its biggest strengths

By Kyle Saxon, Staff Writer • January 26, 2021
Though the sample size is small, the Panthers’ 4-2 start to conference play is not a fluke. The team clearly made visible improvements in spite of an unprecedentedly disjointed offseason. While several of the same, nagging woes haunted Pitt teams for the first two seasons of Jeff Capel’s tenure, he has seemingly managed to flip the script in his third season.
Last place Wake defeats distracted Pitt, 76-75

Last place Wake defeats distracted Pitt, 76-75

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • January 23, 2021
Pitt was unable to fend off Wake Forest on Saturday evening in Winston-Salem. The Demon Deacons rode electric shooting from 3-point distance to their first conference victory of the season, 76-75.
“Pitt is back”: Champagnie dominates as Pitt downs Duke, 79-73

“Pitt is back”: Champagnie dominates as Pitt downs Duke, 79-73

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • January 20, 2021
Pitt (8-2 overall, 4-1 ACC), rode another game of dominance from first-year forward Justin Champagnie to a 79-73 win over Duke (5-4 overall, 3-2 ACC), the Panthers’ first over the Blue Devils since Feb. 2016. 
Staff writer Carson Zaremski has given Justin Champagnie an “A” for his performance so far this season.

Mid-season grades: Panthers find success despite individual shortcomings

By Carson Zaremski, Staff Writer • January 19, 2021
Following an incredible comeback victory over Syracuse on Jan. 6th, a team Pitt had lost to seven straight times, it’s time to break down mid-season grades for the Panthers roster, coach Jeff Capel and the Panthers’ overall performance. Each will receive a grade based on performance, factoring in preseason expectations.
First-year forward Justin Champagnie competes for possession of the ball.

Champagnie, Capel make remarkable returns, Pitt pounds Syracuse, 96-76

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • January 16, 2021
Justin Champagnie, Jeff Capel and Pitt men’s basketball all made varying returns from different absences on Saturday afternoon and the end result was a blowout 96-76 victory over rival Syracuse.
Shorthanded Panthers can’t complete comeback vs. Louisville, lose 64-54

Shorthanded Panthers can’t complete comeback vs. Louisville, lose 64-54

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • December 22, 2020
Despite multiple gutsy comeback attempts, Pitt men’s basketball (5-2 overall, 1-1 ACC) was unable to overcome the absence of two key players and its head coach on Tuesday night in a 64-54 loss to Louisville (5-1 overall, 1-0 ACC) at the Petersen Events Center.
‘‘Diese is gonna be ‘Diese’: Toney juggles pain, success and responsibility

‘‘Diese is gonna be ‘Diese’: Toney juggles pain, success and responsibility

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • December 21, 2020
Throughout his tenure in Oakland, Au’Diese Toney has had to juggle success, responsibility and unimaginable grief. But through it all, he’s been one of Pitt’s steadiest players.
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