Panthers basketball avoids upset in season-opening win

Panthers Basketball Avoids Upset in Season-Opening Win

The Pitt men’s basketball team secured a 74-59 victory over Youngstown State on Monday night in the 2025-26 season opener at the Petersen Events Center. This marked Pitt’s fourth consecutive season-opening win, while Youngstown State fell to 0-1.

Game Summary

Youngstown State held the lead during the early moments of the game. The Panthers claimed their first lead at 20-19 following a three-point play by Cameron Corhen. Despite a quick 6-0 response from the Penguins, Pitt raised their defensive intensity and gained control.

Youngstown State struggled down the stretch of the first half, going 1-for-7 shooting and turning the ball over three times in the final 5:34.
Pitt executed a decisive 14-3 run to finish the half, taking a 34-28 lead into the break.

Corhen’s three-pointer put Pitt ahead for good at 30-28. Damarco Minor capped the half with the final four points, including two free throws and a contested baseline jumper.

Second Half Highlights

In the second half, Pitt extended their lead to double digits. Although Youngstown State mounted a six-point run to narrow the gap to 54-50, the Panthers maintained control and closed out the game comfortably.

“Youngstown State led throughout the early stages, but the Panthers took their first lead at 20-19 on a Corhen three-point play, then never looked back,” the game summary noted.

Author’s summary: Pitt demonstrated strong defense and timely scoring runs to secure their fourth straight season opener win, overcoming Youngstown State’s early lead and late push.

Altoona Mirror — 2025-11-04