The story of resilience and determination unfolded on a Sunday afternoon when the Pittsburgh Panthers women’s basketball team, facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit, staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in NCAA history. Trailing by 32 points at halftime, Tory Verdi’s squad rallied with sheer grit and precision to defeat SMU 72-59, tying the record for the largest comeback in women’s college basketball.

A Monumental Turnaround That Redefined Perseverance

The First Half Nightmare

The game began as a nightmare for the Panthers. Pittsburgh struggled from the opening tip, missing their first 10 shots and starting 2-for-20 from the field. By the end of the first quarter, SMU had built an imposing 32-7 lead. The Mustangs continued their dominance into the second quarter, extending their advantage to 49-18 by halftime. SMU's offense was relentless, converting 10 of their first 18 field goal attempts. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh appeared outmatched and overwhelmed, unable to find any rhythm or momentum.Despite the daunting situation, Coach Verdi refused to let his team succumb to despair. He emphasized pride and heart, urging his players to fight until the final buzzer. Little did anyone know that this halftime pep talk would spark an extraordinary second-half performance that would go down in the annals of college basketball history.

The Second Half Revival

As the second half commenced, a transformed Pittsburgh team emerged. Mikayla Johnson and Marley Washenitz opened the period with back-to-back three-pointers, signaling the beginning of a historic comeback. Khadija Faye followed suit, scoring six consecutive points midway through the third quarter to cut the deficit to 15 points. The crowd, initially stunned by SMU’s dominance, began to sense a shift in momentum.Pittsburgh’s defense tightened, holding SMU scoreless for the entire third quarter. The Mustangs' shooting woes were evident, as they managed only two field goals in the second half. Pitt, on the other hand, found its groove, making 16 of its final 24 shots. Johnson’s three-pointer with nine seconds left in the third quarter brought the score to 49-46, setting the stage for an electrifying fourth quarter.

The Final Surge

In the fourth quarter, the Panthers took control of the game. MaKayla Elmore’s three-pointer tied the game at 54, and moments later, another three-pointer put Pittsburgh ahead for the first time since the opening minutes. The once-impossible dream of victory became reality as the Panthers extended their lead, ultimately securing a 72-59 win.SMU’s Nya Robertson, who dominated the first half with 21 points, could only muster two more in the second half. Zanai Jones was the only Mustang to score in the final two quarters, hitting just 2 of 10 shots. The rest of the team went cold, failing to convert any of their last 18 field goal attempts.

Statistical Marvels

The comeback was not just dramatic but statistically improbable. SMU shot a dismal 7% (2-for-28) in the second half, while Pittsburgh finished the game on a 58-13 run. The Panthers’ resilience was further highlighted by their ability to make 16 of their final 24 shots after a disastrous start. The Mustangs missed all 21 of their two-point attempts in the final three quarters, relying solely on five three-pointers to keep them within striking distance.This monumental turnaround is a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork. It serves as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, proving that even in the darkest moments, the will to fight can turn the tide of any battle.