WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV – The Pitt Panthers faced their first defeat of the season after a hard-fought battle against 19th-ranked Wisconsin in the Greenbrier Tip-Off championship game on Sunday night. Despite leading for over 25 minutes, the Panthers couldn’t hold off Wisconsin’s late surge, ultimately losing 81-75.
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A Fierce Contest
Ishmael Leggett, named to the All-Tournament Team, stood out for Pitt with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Cameron Corhen contributed 16 points, shooting an impressive 7/8 from the field. Jaland Lowe added 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists to round out Pitt’s key performers.
However, Wisconsin’s John Tonje stole the spotlight, particularly in the second half. Tonje scored a game-high 33 points, including 25 in the latter half, and went a flawless 10/10 from the free-throw line.
Pitt Starts Strong but Can’t Sustain the Lead
The Panthers began with a commanding 7-0 run led by Corhen and Zack Austin. They extended their lead to 14-4 as Wisconsin made only 1 of their first 10 shots. Freshmen Brandin Cummings and Lowe pushed the advantage to 20-8, forcing Wisconsin to call an early timeout.
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The biggest lead of the game came at 7:29 in the first half when Guillermo Diaz Graham sank a three-pointer, giving Pitt a 25-11 edge. However, Wisconsin closed the gap with Tonje’s consistent scoring. Pitt entered halftime with a 34-27 lead, as Wisconsin went 0-for-10 from beyond the arc in the first half.
Second Half: Wisconsin’s Resurgence
Wisconsin opened the second half with a 6-0 run, narrowing the gap and forcing Pitt into an early timeout. Tonje continued his relentless drive, putting Wisconsin ahead for the first time at 11:13.
The game remained close for the next five minutes, with both teams exchanging leads. Wisconsin eventually pulled away with a decisive three-pointer from Kamari McGee and Tonje’s consistent drives. Although Lowe and Austin responded with crucial baskets, Wisconsin maintained their lead with clutch free throws.
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Game Analysis
- Shooting and Strategy: Wisconsin’s 60% shooting in the second half overshadowed Pitt’s 50%.
- Three-Point Struggles: Pitt made only 5 of 23 shots from beyond the arc (21.7%), while Wisconsin sank five three-pointers in the second half.
- Points in the Paint: Both teams capitalized on inside opportunities. Wisconsin scored 64 points in the paint and from free throws, while Pitt tallied 54 in similar fashion.
Injury Setbacks
Key player Damian Dunn played only two minutes before exiting with hand and ankle injuries. Dunn, averaging 13 points per game, was a critical loss for Pitt, affecting both their offense and defense.
Looking Ahead
Pitt’s next challenge will be a road game against Ohio State in Columbus on November 29. This marks their second consecutive matchup against a Big Ten opponent and the third in a series of five straight road games against formidable teams.
The Panthers will need to learn from this defeat quickly and adjust their strategies, especially in late-game defense. The upcoming games will test their resilience and determination.
