Takeaways from Pitt Basketball’s Season Opener
The Panthers secured a 74-59 victory over Youngstown State in the opening game of the 2025 season. Although the win was not visually impressive, Pitt’s frontcourt dominated key moments that paved the way for success.
Frontcourt Dominance and Gritty Play
Pitt leveraged its physical advantage to score 18 points from second-chance opportunities, demonstrating a rugged style of play effective enough to overcome early offensive struggles.
Veteran Leadership from Cameron Corhen
Senior forward Cameron Corhen played 35 minutes, leading the team with 23 points and 12 rebounds. His steady presence provided stability as the Panthers appeared unsettled offensively at the start.
Impactful Performance by Papa Amadou Kante
Redshirt sophomore forward Papa Amadou Kante contributed 10 rebounds in 35 minutes. His agile defense against quick opponents showed his ability to guard any player, enhancing Pitt’s defensive versatility.
Rookie Contributions Despite Early Hesitation
First-year guard Omari Witherspoon and first-year forward Roman Siulepa started cautiously in their debut. Both contributed despite early jitters, with Witherspoon making a tough mid-range jump shot and Siulepa delivering a notable block. Each committed two turnovers, reflecting the challenge of adjusting to significant minutes, especially in a competitive conference like the ACC.
“Corhen’s consistent presence was a source of comfort for the Panthers as they looked disjointed on offense in the early going.”
“Kante moved his feet against shifty Youngstown State players and showed that he can guard any player on the court, which adds a dimension to Pitt’s defense.”
“It is a challenge to play major minutes off the bat, especially in a conference like the ACC.”
Author’s summary: Pitt’s basketball frontcourt strength and veteran leadership helped secure a gritty win despite early offensive struggles and rookie nerves.