The Panthers started the 2025 season with a 74-59 victory over Youngstown State, overcoming a slow offensive start by leveraging their size and gritty play style.
First-year players Omari Witherspoon (guard) and Roman Siulepa (forward) showed cautious play in their debut but still made valuable contributions, including a tough mid-range jumper by Witherspoon and a highlight block by Siulepa. Both had two turnovers each, reflecting the challenge of adjusting to major minutes 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."
Pitt capitalized with 18 points off second-chance opportunities, demonstrating their effectiveness in frontcourt battles despite early offensive struggles.
Author's summary: Pitt's frontcourt dominance and veteran leadership helped secure a hard-fought opening win, showcasing resilience and defensive versatility in a demanding ACC environment.