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
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.
Ithiel Horton scored 18 points in the Panthers' 70-55 win over Miami

Horton corrects cold shooting, Panthers crush ‘Canes 70-55

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • December 16, 2020
Pitt men’s basketball (5-1 overall, 1-0 ACC) made their longest road trip of the season on Wednesday night and came away with a win against a shorthanded Miami (3-2 overall, 0-1 ACC). Junior forward Au’Diese Toney’s efficient scoring was aided by a breakout performance from redshirt sophomore guard Ithiel Horton in the victory.
Photo by Matt Hawley, Pitt Athletics

Champagnie makes history, Pitt walks over Bulldogs, 67-50

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • December 12, 2020
Pitt men’s basketball (4-1 overall) started strong and cruised to the finish against Gardner-Webb (0-2 overall) for a 67-50 win on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers were fueled by another milestone performance from sophomore forward Justin Champagnie, who became the first Pitt player in program history to record consecutive 20-point, 20-rebound games.
Johnson shines in wild second half, Pitt tops Wildcats 71-70

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. 
Coach Capel questions a foul.

Capel tries to keep program human amidst pandemic basketball

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • December 7, 2020
The question: “Is it difficult for players and coaches to be so focused on basketball right now, at a time when most people — college students in particular — are at home relaxing and celebrating the holidays?” The answer: yes.
Carolyn Pallof | Senior Staff Photographer

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).
Carolyn Pallof | Senior Staff Photographer

Panthers fall to St. Francis in season opener, 80-70

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • November 25, 2020
An empty arena, socially distant benches, coaches and staff in masks — college basketball is back and, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, looks wildly different. But for Pitt men’s basketball, opening night on Wednesday was like deja vu.
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