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.

‘‘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.

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.

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).

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

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • November 26, 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.

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.

High expectations run rampant among today’s Pitt fans

By Alex Lehmbeck, Senior Staff Writer • May 26, 2020

The Pitt News put out a Pitt athletics fan survey to our readers for the past few weeks. Questioned on topics new and old, readers proved to be a dedicated fanbase with high expectations for the present day’s teams, but also nostalgic for the glory days of Pitt athletics. Here are the full details.

Pitt drops sixth straight to NC State, 77-73

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • February 29, 2020

They traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday looking to snap another long skid against NC State (18-11 overall, 9-9 ACC), to whom the Panthers (15-15 overall, 6-13 ACC) have lost nine straight contests, but fell agonizingly short in a 77-73 loss. Poor free throw shooting made for long scoring droughts and the Wolfpack capitalized on their opponent’s mediocrity from the charity stripe. 

Pitt to stifle Syracuse stars on senior night

By Alex Lehmbeck, Staff Writer • February 25, 2020

With the Oakland Zoo behind it and an improved performance against Syracuse’s infamous zone defense, Pitt will upset the Orange following Wednesday’s senior night festivities.

Pitt overpowered by FSU, sustains 3-game skid

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor • February 19, 2020

And on Tuesday, the trajectory of both teams kept constant. The Panthers (15-12 overall, 6-10 ACC) were overpowered by No. 8 Florida State, (22-4 overall, 12-3 ACC) 82-67 on Tuesday night. The Seminoles avenged their opening-night loss to the Panthers and remained in the hunt for a No. 1 seed in March’s NCAA Tournament.