Pitt Opens Season with 74–59 Win over Youngstown State

The Pitt men's basketball team launched the 2025–26 season with a strong performance, defeating Youngstown State 74–59 Monday night at the Petersen Events Center.

The Panthers used a decisive 14–3 run to close the first half and never lost the lead again. The victory marked their fourth consecutive season-opening win, while Youngstown State began the year 0–1.

First Half Momentum Shift

Youngstown State held the early advantage before Pitt seized its first lead at 20–19 on a three-point play by Cameron Corhen.

“Corhen connected on a three-pointer that put the Panthers ahead for good at 30–28,” the report noted.

The Penguins countered with a 6–0 surge, but Pitt’s tightened defense turned the tide. Youngstown State managed just one field goal on seven attempts and committed three turnovers in the final minutes of the opening half. Pitt closed the segment leading 34–28 after key scores from Damarco Minor, who hit two free throws and a contested baseline jumper before the buzzer.

Second Half Control

Pitt extended its lead into double digits after halftime. Although the Penguins briefly narrowed the margin to four at 54–50, Nojus Indrusaitis answered with two free throws, then scored again following a Minor jumper to restore a ten-point cushion. From there, Pitt maintained control until the final buzzer.

Summary

Author’s Summary: Pitt opened its 2025–26 campaign with a confident 74–59 victory over Youngstown State, fueled by a late first-half surge and sustained defensive pressure.

pittsburghpanthers.com — 2025-11-05