The Pitt Panthers snapped a five-game skid with a 73-68 victory over Notre Dame at the Petersen Events Center. The hero of the day was reserve guard Nojus Indrusaitis, who led all scorers with 17 points, 13 of which came in a crucial second half.
Freshman forward Roman Siulepa continued his impressive run, dropping 22 points and hitting 4 of 6 from beyond the arc. This marks the third time in his young career that he's nailed four or more triples in a game.
The matchup was tight in the first half, with both teams trading blows. After halftime, Pitt surged ahead to a 37-26 lead, but Notre Dame clawed back, briefly taking the lead with a Carson Towt dunk. However, Pitt responded with a decisive 10-0 run, highlighted by two Indrusaitis three-pointers, and maintained control for the remainder of the game, despite some late-game drama.
This win elevates Pitt to a 10-17 record, including their third ACC victory of the season. While the Panthers are still battling for a spot in the ACC Tournament, this win over a fellow struggling team is a step in the right direction.
Breaking Down the Game
Ending the Streak
Pitt faced a brutal stretch, recently squaring off against four ranked teams and a solid SMU squad, resulting in five double-digit losses. Their most recent defeat was a 79-65 loss to No.
11 North Carolina. With some time to regroup, Pitt managed to secure a much-needed win against a more evenly matched opponent.
This victory ends their longest losing streak of the season.
Tough Contest
While Saturday was packed with high-profile college basketball matchups, Pitt vs. Notre Dame flew under the radar.
Both teams struggled early, with a 23-20 halftime score and identical 29% shooting from the field. Pitt managed to shake off the sluggish start, ultimately pulling away in the second half.
Nojus Shines
Sophomore guard Nojus Indrusaitis has had a rollercoaster season, but he found his rhythm as a sixth man. His career-high 17 points, including key shots in the second half, provided the offensive spark Pitt needed.
Roman's Rise
Freshman Roman Siulepa has emerged as Pitt's standout player. His 22-point performance, featuring efficient 3-point shooting, was instrumental in the win. Siulepa also contributed seven rebounds and a highlight-reel dunk to seal the victory.
Six-Man Rotation
Pitt head coach Jeff Capel leaned heavily on a six-man rotation, with Kieran Mullen and Macari Moore sitting out. Despite the limited bench, the team avoided foul trouble and delivered a solid performance.
Fast Break Success
Transition points were a rarity for Pitt this season, but they dominated the fast break against Notre Dame, outscoring them 23-1. The Panthers forced Notre Dame into a jump-shooting game, where they struggled with a 9 of 38 performance from deep.
Teamwork on Display
Pitt's offense was clicking with 16 assists on 22 made field goals. Freshman Omari Witherspoon led the way with five assists, while Siulepa and Dunning added three each.
Looking Ahead
Next, Pitt heads to the West Coast for a two-game road trip, facing Stanford on Wednesday and Cal on Saturday. These matchups mark Pitt's first conference games in California, adding another chapter to their season's journey.