Takeaways from Pitt Basketball’s Frontcourt Dominance
The Panthers started their 2025 season with a 74-59 win over Youngstown State. Though the game was far from perfect, Pitt relied on its size and physicality to pull through.
Key Factors in the Win
- Pitt converted 18 points from second-chance opportunities, showcasing their dominance on the boards.
- The team embraced a gritty style that helped them overcome a slow offensive start.
Standout Performances
Cameron Corhen’s Leadership
Senior forward Cameron Corhen played 35 minutes and was a clear leader, recording 23 points and 12 rebounds. His steady presence helped steady the team amid early offensive struggles.
Defensive Impact of Papa Amadou Kante
Redshirt sophomore forward Papa Amadou Kante contributed 10 rebounds in 35 minutes. His quick footwork against Youngstown State’s guards demonstrated his versatility and added strength to Pitt’s defense.
First-Year Players Adjusting
First-year guard Omari Witherspoon and forward Roman Siulepa showed promise despite a cautious start. Witherspoon scored a tough mid-range jumper, while Siulepa made a highlight-worthy block. Both had two turnovers each, reflecting the challenge of playing significant minutes early, 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.”
“It is a challenge to play major minutes off the bat, especially in a conference like the ACC.”
Summary
Pitt’s frontcourt strength and veteran leadership helped the team scrape together a hard-earned first win despite offensive hiccups early in the season.
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