For a change this season the Pitt Panthers had a fight on their hands. While most of their non-conference schedule has resulted in blowout wins, the Panthers needed all 40 minutes to take care of visiting Western Carolina 79-73 in the final game of the Gotham Classic Wednesday night at the Petersen Events Center. Pitt trailed with just over two minutes remaining, but a Chris Jones three-pointer with 2:20 remaining gave the Panthers a 68-66 lead. Sheldon Jeter followed with a monster dunk ... Read More
Pitt starts fast, blows out Eastern Washington
Three Pitt players scored in double figures as the Pitt Panthers basketball team improved to 7-1 on the season with a convincing 84-51 victory over Eastern Washington in the Panthers first game of the Gotham Classic Friday night at the Petersen Events Center. Michael Young led all scorers with 21 points while Jamel Artis (14) and Chris Jones (11) also finished in double figures for the Panthers. Pitt got off to a quick start and led throughout, leading by as much as 37 at one ... Read More
Pitt could boast best offensive team of Jamie Dixon era
As the Pitt Panthers prepare to take on Eastern Washington Friday night in one of their four games as part of the Gotham Classic, Panthers’ head coach Jamie Dixon has to be all smiles. That’s basically due to the fact that through seven games the Pitt offense has performed at a level unlike anything Dixon has seen the past few years. “We are certainly skilled,” Dixon said. ‘We have guys up and down the roster who are skilled offensively. We just have to keep doing what we are doing and ... Read More
Pitt offense clicking in blowout win over Central Arkansas
The Pitt Panthers had an early tilt Sunday afternoon against Central Arkansas and the Panthers looked from the opening tip like they wanted to get this one over with. Freshman point guard Damon Wilson led three Pitt players in double figures with a career-high 20 points as the Panthers dominated the Bears from the opening tip in a 100-47 victory. Jamel Artis finished with 17 and Chris Jones added 13 in the Pitt win. The Pitt (6-1) offense continues to roll as they shot 54 percent ... Read More
Pitt leans on experience to beat Kent State
The Pitt basketball team had a fight on their hands for much of the afternoon against Kent State, but Pitt leaned on its experience to come away with a win. Michael Young (23), Jamel Artis (19) and James Robinson (18) combined to score 60 points as Pitt defeated the Golden Flashes 85-76 to remain unbeaten on the season. ”Those three guys were terrific,” said Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon. “The numbers speak to that. I like the passing and the shot selection was as good as you can get. The ... Read More
Jamie Dixon leaning on bench in early going
Yes it has only been three games and no the competition hasn't been very good at all, but Pitt head basketball coach Jamie Dixon may be able to do something this season that he hasn't been able to the past few seasons. That would be being able to turn to a bench that has depth and talent. Through the Panthers three contests this season, Dixon has had the opportunity to go 12 deep against some weak competition, but of the 12 that are part of his regular rotation, the seven guys coming off ... Read More
Jamel Artis leads Pitt to blowout win vs. Cornell
Jamel Artis made it a point to be aggressive right from the opening tip. That strategy paid off in a big way as Artis scored 21 points- 18 in the first half- as the Panthers rolled over the visiting Cornell Big Red Bears 93-49 Wednesday night at the Petersen Events Center. Artis made 6-of-11 field goal attempts to pace the Panthers, who shot 52 percent from the floor. The junior forward also chipped in five rebounds and four assists on the night. Junior Michael Young also filled the stat ... Read More
Pitt wins opener vs. St. Joseph’s College
It took the Pitt Panthers basketball team a little longer than they may have liked, but they finally got a game that counted. Pitt, who saw their hopeful season opener against Gonzaga in Japan called at halftime, officially opened its season Tuesday night with an 84-43 victory over St. Joseph's (IN) College at the Petersen Events Center. While it was a major step down in competition from No. 9 Gonzaga, Panthers head coach Jamie Dixon got a lot of guys some playing time and was happy they ... Read More
Pitt Basketball signs three during early signing period
The Pitt basketball team announced on Tuesday the signing of three players- Justice Kithcart, Crisshawn Clark and Corey Manigault-during the early signing period. “We have kids that are from good, solid programs and have been with them for a number of years,” said Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon. “They all have good size for their position and they’re good students at the same time. I’m excited about the group. They all come from winning programs and they’re excited about being at the University ... Read More
Pitt game vs. Gonzaga cancelled after first half
For Jamie Dixon and the Pitt Panthers basketball team, the trip to Okinawa, Japan for the Armed Forces Classic against No. 9 Gonzaga was to be an early measuring stick on how the new look Panthers would measure up against good competition after a disappointing 2014-15 campaign. Unfortunately, Pitt only got half the chance to find out. After one half of play, the officials decided to cancel the rest of the game due to unsafe floor conditions. At the time of the decision to stop the ... Read More