Takeaways from Pitt Basketball's Frontcourt Dominance
The Panthers secured a 74-59 victory against Youngstown State on the opening night of the 2025 season. Although the game was far from flawless, Pitt leveraged its size advantage to score 18 points on second-chance opportunities, emphasizing a gritty, determined style of play.
Key Players and Performances
Senior forward Cameron Corhen emerged as a crucial veteran leader, playing 35 minutes and leading the team with 23 points and 12 rebounds. His steady presence helped stabilize the Panthers' offense during a slow start.
Redshirt sophomore forward Papa Amadou Kante also made a strong impact, securing 10 rebounds in 35 minutes. Kante’s defensive agility against Youngstown State’s quick players demonstrated his versatility and added strength to Pitt’s defense.
Rookies’ First Game Contributions
First-year guard Omari Witherspoon and first-year forward Roman Siulepa showed cautious play in their debut but still managed notable moments. Witherspoon made a tough mid-range jumper, while Siulepa delivered a memorable block. Both, however, committed two turnovers each.
“It is a challenge to play major minutes off the bat, especially in a conference like the ACC.”
This opening game highlighted the Panthers' resilience and frontcourt strength despite early struggles, setting a foundation for the season ahead.
Summary: Pitt basketball’s strong frontcourt presence and veteran leadership helped them overcome an uneven start, securing a gritty win on season opener night.