Panthers Snap Skid in Style, Roll Past Binghamton with Balanced Offensive Outburst
Pitt needed a response-and they delivered one with authority.
The Panthers got back to .500 on the season with a commanding 103-63 win over Binghamton on Wednesday night at the Petersen Events Center. The win not only halted a three-game slide, but it also offered a glimpse of what this team can look like when everything clicks. Efficient offense, strong ball movement, and a lineup shakeup that paid immediate dividends-Pitt looked like a team ready to turn the page.
Let’s break it down.
Barry Dunning Jr. Keeps Cooking
Barry Dunning Jr. continues to be the heartbeat of Pitt’s offense, and Wednesday was another chapter in his breakout season. The senior forward dropped 23 points-17 of them in the first half-and did it with ruthless efficiency. He hit 5-of-7 from beyond the arc and added three blocks on the defensive end, showcasing the kind of all-around impact that’s made him Pitt’s most reliable scorer in recent weeks.
It’s not just the scoring totals-it’s how he’s getting them. Dunning is picking his spots, playing within the offense, and hitting shots in rhythm. This was his eighth straight game in double figures, and he’s starting to look like a player who can carry this team through the grind of ACC play.
Cummings, Indrusaitis Thrive in New Roles
Head coach Jeff Capel made a notable change to the starting lineup, giving freshman Nojus Indrusaitis the nod over Brandin Cummings in the backcourt. The move worked on both ends.
Indrusaitis looked poised and confident in his expanded role, finishing with 16 points, four rebounds, and five assists in a team-high 36 minutes. He was active on both ends and played with a maturity beyond his years.
Cummings, meanwhile, embraced the sixth-man role and brought a scoring punch off the bench. He tallied 17 points and hit three triples, giving Pitt a spark when the second unit came in.
Interestingly, the two highest-scoring games of his young career have come off the bench. Whether that’s coincidence or a sign that he thrives in that role, it’s something worth watching as the season progresses.
A Game-Changing Run Before the Half
For a few minutes late in the first half, Binghamton made it interesting. Pitt’s lead had shrunk to just three at 31-28. But what followed was a blitz.
The Panthers closed the half on a 26-6 run, turning a close game into a blowout in a blink. They shot 9-of-10 from the field during that stretch and 6-of-7 from deep. That kind of offensive explosion, paired with a defense that forced Binghamton into mistakes, completely changed the tone of the night.
And they didn’t let up after the break. Pitt came out of the locker room and rattled off the first 10 points of the second half, pushing the lead over 30 and removing any doubt.
Hot from Deep
Pitt’s perimeter shooting was a sore spot in the loss to Villanova, where they went just 5-of-22 from three. That wasn’t the case on Wednesday.
The Panthers found their rhythm from deep and let it fly, connecting on 16-of-27 from beyond the arc-good for a scorching 59.3%. Ten of those came in the first half, setting the tone early.
Yes, Binghamton’s defense didn’t offer the same resistance as Villanova’s, but Pitt took advantage and shot with confidence. That matters.
Freshmen Get Valuable Reps
With the game well in hand, Capel turned to his young guns to close things out-and they made the most of the opportunity.
Omari Witherspoon, Roman Siulepa, Kieran Mullen, and Macari Moore all saw extended minutes in the second half. Siulepa, who started and played a more prominent role throughout, finished with 12 points and four boards.
Witherspoon added 11 points-all in the final stretch. Mullen, pressed into action due to an injury to Papa Amadou Kante, continues to gain valuable experience after what was originally planned to be a redshirt year.
These aren’t just garbage-time minutes. For a team that will need depth in conference play, getting these freshmen game reps now could pay off down the line.
What’s Next
Pitt, now 6-6, heads into its final non-conference game on Sunday with some momentum. They’ll take on in-state rival Penn State at the Giant Center in Hershey, a neutral-site showdown that should bring some juice.
Penn State, under third-year head coach Mike Rhoades, was picked to finish last in the Big Ten in the preseason but has outperformed expectations with an 8-3 start. They’re coming off a tight loss to No. 9 Michigan State, so they’ll be hungry.
For Pitt, it’s a chance to stack another win, build some confidence, and head into ACC play with a little bit of swagger.
If Wednesday night was any indication, this team might just be finding its stride.