Panthers basketball avoids upset in season-opening win

Panthers Basketball Avoids Upset in Season-Opening Win

PITTSBURGH — The Pitt men’s basketball team opened the 2025–26 season with a solid victory over Youngstown State, winning 74–59 at the Petersen Events Center on Monday night. The triumph marked Pitt’s fourth consecutive season-opening win, while Youngstown State began its campaign at 0–1.

First-Half Momentum Shift

Youngstown State controlled the early minutes of the game, but Pitt grabbed its first lead at 20–19 following a three-point play by Cameron Corhen. The Penguins quickly responded with a 6–0 spurt before the Panthers tightened their defense and swung the game in their favor.

Over the final five and a half minutes of the first half, Youngstown State went cold, shooting 1-for-7 and committing three turnovers. Pitt capitalized with a decisive 14–3 run to take a 34–28 advantage into halftime.

“Corhen’s three-pointer put the Panthers ahead for good at 30–28,” the report noted, as Damarco Minor closed the period with four straight points — two free throws and a contested jumper from the baseline.

Second-Half Control

After the break, the Panthers extended their lead into double digits. Although the Penguins made a brief push to narrow the margin to 54–50 with a six-point run, Pitt maintained composure and sealed the win comfortably.

Key Highlights

Pitt closed the first half on a 14–3 surge.
Cameron Corhen’s three-pointer was the turning point.
Damarco Minor added critical points to close the half strong.
The Panthers stretched their advantage in the second half and never looked back.

Author’s Summary

Pitt’s balanced attack and strong defensive effort turned an early deficit into a commanding win, setting a confident tone for the new basketball season.

Altoona Mirror — 2025-11-05