Takeaways from Pitt Basketball's Frontcourt Dominance
The Panthers secured a 74-59 victory over Youngstown State on the opening night of the 2025 season. While their performance was far from flawless, Pitt leveraged its physical advantage to claim 18 points from second-chance opportunities and embraced a tough, gritty style to secure the win.
Veteran Leadership from Cameron Corhen
Senior forward Cameron Corhen proved why he is a key leader for the Panthers, playing 35 minutes and leading the team with 23 points and 12 rebounds. His steady presence provided stability as the offense struggled early in the game.
Impact from Papa Amadou Kante
Redshirt sophomore forward Papa Amadou Kante also stood out in 35 minutes on the court, pulling down 10 rebounds. His mobility allowed him to effectively guard quick opponents, enhancing Pitt’s defensive versatility.
Contributions from First-Year Players
First-year guard Omari Witherspoon and first-year forward Roman Siulepa experienced a tentative start in their debut regular-season game. Despite a shaky beginning, Witherspoon made a difficult mid-range shot, and Siulepa delivered a notable block. Both however committed two turnovers each.
It is a challenge to play major minutes off the bat, especially in a conference like the ACC.
This reflects the difficulty of stepping into significant playing time immediately in a competitive league.