Takeaways from Pitt Basketball’s Frontcourt Dominance
The Panthers secured a 74-59 victory over Youngstown State on the opening night of the 2025 season. Although the game was far from polished, Pitt relied on its physical presence and grit to clinch the win.
Key Factors in the Win
- Pitt capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 18 points off offensive rebounds.
- Senior forward Cameron Corhen led by example, playing 35 minutes and recording 23 points with 12 rebounds.
- Corhen’s steady leadership helped stabilize the team during a sluggish offensive start.
- Redshirt sophomore Papa Amadou Kante also made a strong impact with 10 rebounds in his 35 minutes of play.
- Kante demonstrated his defensive versatility by effectively guarding multiple types of opponents.
Rookie Contributions and Challenges
First-year guard Omari Witherspoon and first-year forward Roman Siulepa showed nerves in their debut but still managed important contributions. Witherspoon nailed a difficult mid-range shot, while Siulepa delivered a highlight-reel block. Each committed two turnovers, reflecting the challenge of adapting quickly to ACC competition.
“It is a challenge to play major minutes off the bat, especially in a conference like the ACC.”
Pitt’s frontcourt strength and gritty play were decisive in overcoming a slow offensive start, setting a promising tone for the season ahead.
Summary: Pitt’s basketball team leveraged dominant frontcourt play and resilience to secure a hard-fought season opener despite early offensive struggles.