Pitt Panthers Show New Team Identity

Pitt Panthers Win

Pitt Panthers beat Penn State 82-76 on Nov. 8 at Palestra.

3-0 Start

Pitt has a 3-0 start with wins over Rider Broncs 95-57 and Buffalo Bulls 80-61.

Different Team

Pitt isn't the same team as last year or seasons past.

Overcoming Adversity

Pitt overcame early deficits and fended off late rally against Penn State.

Panthers Overcoming Early Deficits

Pitt fell behind 15 points against Buffalo but scored 48-14 in second half.

Penn State Run

Penn State went on 8-0 run to take 35-28 lead with 5:15 left.

Sumler's Leadership

Fifth-year guard A'lahn Sumler scored six points and led Pitt offense.

Sumler's Quote

Sumler said: 'Every time something goes bad, we get in a huddle, we huddle up'.

“I say this every time, but I say our togetherness. Every time something goes bad, we get in a huddle, we huddle up. In the timeout, we always talk good to each other. It's boosting my morale. When we go out on the court, we've got that same confidence and that same energy to keep moving up.”

Pitt Fans Welcome

Pitt fans see team staying strong after recent collapses.

Pitt is Big, Big, Big

Pitt went big in transfer portal with four new players.

New Players

Pitt added Akir Souare, Baye Ndongo, Armani Mighty and Chase Foster.

Ndongo's Performance

Ndongo averaged 16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.

Capel's Note

Capel noted Ndongo's hard play as big point of emphasis.

Capel's Quote

Capel said: 'When one of your better players is doing that, it sends a message'.

“When one of your better players is doing that then it sends a message and an example I've been impressed this season especially in the games with how hard Baye has played”

Depth Showing

Pitt has strong forward/post depth with multiple players scoring.

Foul Trouble

Pitt ran into foul trouble against Penn State with four players fouled.

Sumler Steps Up

Sumler took over point guard role with 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting.

Sumler's Quote

Sumler said: 'Coach was trusting me. That's just how it came out'.

“Nate having four fouls in the first half it got to the point where I knew I had to step up and be that point guard and then score coach was trusting me that's just how it came out”

Team Depth

Eight of nine players scored in game with strong bench depth.