Takeaways from Pitt Basketball's Frontcourt Dominance
The Panthers opened the 2025 season with a 74-59 victory over Youngstown State. Although the win was not flawless, Pitt capitalized on its size advantage to score 18 points off second-chance opportunities and showed a willingness to adopt a tough, gritty style of play.
Key Performances
Senior forward Cameron Corhen led the Panthers as a veteran presence, playing 35 minutes and contributing 23 points and 12 rebounds. His steady play provided stability while the team’s offense struggled early in the game.
Redshirt sophomore forward Papa Amadou Kante also impressed, matching Corhen’s 35 minutes and securing 10 rebounds. Kante demonstrated effective footwork and versatile defense, capable of guarding any opponent on the court, enhancing Pitt’s defensive strength.
Rookies Show Potential
- First-year guard Omari Witherspoon and first-year forward Roman Siulepa showed some hesitation during their debut game but still made valuable contributions.
- Witherspoon hit a difficult mid-range shot, while Siulepa recorded a highlight-reel block.
- Both players experienced two turnovers each, reflecting the challenge of immediately adjusting to significant 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.”
The Panthers’ frontcourt dominance was crucial in overcoming a sluggish start and securing the win.
Author’s summary: Pitt’s basketball team relied on strong frontcourt performances and gritty defense to pull off a gritty 74-59 season opener despite an uneven offensive start.
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