Takeaways from Pitt Basketball’s Opening Game
The Pitt Panthers defeated Youngstown State 74-59 in the first game of the 2025 season. Though the game was far from flawless, Pitt managed to secure the victory by leveraging its size and physical style.
Frontcourt Dominance
The Panthers capitalized on their size to score 18 points off second-chance opportunities. Senior forward Cameron Corhen demonstrated why he is a key veteran leader, playing 35 minutes and leading the team with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Corhen’s steady presence provided stability for Pitt, especially when their offense appeared disjointed early on.
Defensive Strength and Versatility
Redshirt sophomore forward Papa Amadou Kante also made a strong impact, grabbing 10 rebounds in 35 minutes. He showcased his defensive versatility by moving well to guard various Youngstown State players.
Freshmen Contributions Amid Challenges
First-year guard Omari Witherspoon and first-year forward Roman Siulepa had cautious starts but contributed despite some difficulty. Witherspoon made a difficult mid-range shot, and Siulepa delivered a highlight block. Both had two turnovers each, reflecting the challenge of immediate playing time in a competitive conference like the ACC.
"It is a challenge to play major minutes off the bat, especially in a conference like the ACC."
Author’s summary: Pitt’s frontcourt strength and veteran leadership helped overcome a shaky offense, securing a gritty season-opening win despite rookies’ tentative play.