Pitt's Basketball Battle - A Tale of Resilience and Determination

Game Highlights

In the Petersen Events Center, Pitt (6-6, 0-1 ACC) started off on the wrong foot with early shooting woes. They shot a dismal 13.3 percent (2-for-15) from the field in the first quarter, going empty on their first seven possessions. However, a Mikayla Johnson 3-pointer ended the cold streak. Miami took an early 10-3 lead, knocking down three 3-pointers and forcing a Pitt timeout. But a Marley Washenitz dish to Faye for a contested score in the paint was a bright spot as the Panthers trailed 15-6 through the first ten minutes.

The Hurricanes continued their strong play with a 10-3 run to start the second quarter, forcing another Panther timeout. Pitt responded with a 6-2 spurt to chip away at the Miami lead. With one minute remaining in the first half, MaKayla Elmore netted a 3-pointer, drew the foul, and made her free throw to complete the four-point play. Aaryn Battle then drilled a 3-pointer to bring the Panthers back within 10. At halftime, Pitt trailed 32-22.

The Panthers carried their momentum into the second half. Washenitz hit a jump shot off an Elmore assist on the opening possession. Faye followed with a fadeaway jump shot, bringing the Panthers within six of the Canes. Miami extended its lead back to 11, but Brooklynn Miles' dribble drive and acrobatic layup brought the Panthers back within nine at 44-35. A Johnson right-wing 3-pointer from a Faye assist in the final minute of the third frame continued to close the gap, and the Panthers trailed 48-44 through three quarters.

Malcolm knocked down a shot from behind the arc to open the Panthers' fourth-quarter scoring. Elmore continued to work inside, collecting a pass from Faye and banking in a tough layup to bring Pitt within two at 55-53. But both teams went scoreless for the next three minutes. Pitt finished the game shooting 0-for-6 from the field to close it out.

Player Performances

Khadija Faye continued to shine for the Panthers, notching 21 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, marking her ACC-leading sixth double-double. Mikayla Johnson added 11 points, including two shots from behind the arc and six rebounds. Miami was led by guard Haley Cavinder, who tallied a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Hurricanes shot 40.7 percent (24-for-59) from the field and 34.8 percent (8-of-23) from behind the arc as a team. Pitt shot 34.5 percent (19-for-55) from the field and 27.3 percent (6-for 22) from 3-point land.

Game Statistics

Pitt moved to 1-3 this season when being outrebounded by opponents. They shot 13.3 percent (2-for-15) in the first quarter and 42.5 percent (17-for 40) in the second, third, and fourth quarter. MaKayla Elmore had a team and season-high four assists.

Up Next

Pitt plays the final game of its four-game homestand on Thursday, Dec. 19 against New Hampshire. Tipoff is set for 2:30 p.m., and the game can be streamed on ACCNX.