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

Pitt senior guard Onye Ezeakudo (31) takes a shot during the Pitt vs. Colgate men’s basketball game on Dec. 9.

Ezeakudo rewarded for impact on Pitt basketball with scholarship

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor January 19, 2022
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.
Pittsburgh forward Mouhamadou Gueye (15) drives around Louisville forward Matt Cross (33) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Louisville, Ky., Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022.

Gueye’s emergence gives Pitt men’s basketball a ‘different look’

By Kyle Saxon, Senior Staff Writer January 19, 2022
Mouhamadou Gueye has been one of the biggest contributors to recent successes for Pitt men’s basketball. His role was limited early on, but now the rangy big man is doing it all for the improving Panthers.
Coaches and staff look on as senior guard Jamarius Burton dribbles the ball at Saturday afternoons game vs. Louisville.

Pitt handily beats Louisville, 65-53, for second conference win

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor January 15, 2022
In the rematch of a Jan. 5 barn-burner, Pitt thoroughly beat Louisville to earn its second conference win of the season, one that serves as further proof of the team’s holistic improvement.
Senior guard Onyebuchi Ezeakudo (31) with the ball at Saturday afternoons game against Louisville.

Photos: Men’s basketball vs. Louisville

By Lucas Zheng, Staff Photographer January 15, 2022
The Panthers (7-10 overall, 2-4 ACC) just beat Louisville (10-7 overall, 4-3 ACC) 65-53 at the Petersen Events Center.
Pitt head coach Jeff Capel calls to his team as they play against Boston College during the second half of the game on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Pittsburgh.

Pitt flounders in second half, losses 77-61 at Syracuse

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor January 12, 2022
Pitt men’s basketball followed up its first conference win of the season by laying an egg in the second half at Syracuse. The Panthers got outscored by 13 in the second half and suffered their third loss by double-digits.
Pitt sophomore forward John Hugley (23), left, dunks the ball during Pitt’s game against Boston College at the Petersen Events Center on Saturday.

Column | Pitt has begun a slow but steady climb back from the bottom

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor January 10, 2022
Pitt men’s basketball is showing signs of hope. After having to take moral victories from close losses at the beginning of conference play, Stephen Thompson argues the Panthers are playing their best ball with a wide-open conference schedule ahead.
Pittsburgh guard Jamarius Burton (11) shoots over Louisville forward Matt Cross (33) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Louisville, Ky., Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022.

Panthers suffer another late letdown, fall 75-72 at Louisville

By Will McGlynn, Staff Writer January 6, 2022
Another day, another one-possession loss for Pitt men’s basketball. The Panthers faltered down the stretch of Tuesday night’s conference contest against Louisville before ultimately falling 75-72 at the KFC Yum! Center.
Jacksonvilles Bryce Workman (5) fouls Pittsburghs Femi Odukale (2) as he shoots during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh won 64-55.

Career game from Femi Odukale carries Pitt to 64-55 win over Jacksonville

By Will McGlynn, Staff Writer December 21, 2021
Femi Oduklae’s career-high-tying 28 points carried the offense in a 64-55 win over Jacksonville on Tuesday afternoon at the Pete. The Panthers concluded the non-conference portion of their schedule and will now prepare for the start of ACC play.
Pittsburgh guard Jamarius Burton (11) drives to the basket for his game-winning shot against St. Johns during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in New York. Burton’s runner with 0.4 seconds left lifted Pittsburgh over St. John’s 59-57 in the showcase game of the Gotham Classic.

Burton buzzer-beater carries Pitt over St. John’s, 59-57, at the Garden

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor December 18, 2021
Often this season, victory slipped through the fingers of Pitt men’s basketball when the team had a win within its grasp. Finally, it was time for the Panthers to deliver a gut-punch instead of take one in a 59-57 win over St. John’s at Madison Square Garden.
Pitt sophomore forward John Hugley (23) guards the ball during Thursday night’s game against Colgate at the Petersen Events Center.

Pitt reverses trend, escapes with 71-68 win over Colgate

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor December 10, 2021
Pitt men’s basketball head coach Jeff Capel said his team was “tired of almost” after two consecutive one-possession losses. But the Panthers didn’t let those gut-punch losses pile up, and instead escaped with a 71-68 win over Colgate on Thursday night.
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