Pittsburgh Panthers Stage Historic 32-Point Comeback to Tie NCAA Women’s basketball Record
In a game that will be remembered for decades, the women’s basketball team pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in NCAA history, rallying from a 32-point deficit to defeat women’s basketball history, matching a record set by /id/2636/utsa-roadrunners”>UTSA 73-71 in overtime. Unlike Texas State,though,Pittsburgh achieved their historic comeback in regulation time.
Key Moments of the Game
Table of Contents
| Quarter | Pittsburgh | SMU | Key Highlights |
|————-|—————-|———|——————–|
| 1st | 7 | 32 | SMU dominates, Panthers start 2-for-20 |
| 2nd | 11 | 17 | Marshall’s 3-pointer gives SMU 49-18 lead |
| 3rd | 28 | 0 | Panthers shut out SMU, spark comeback |
| 4th | 26 | 10 | Johnson and Faye seal the win |
The victory improved Pittsburgh’s record to 9-9 overall and 1-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. For SMU, the loss was a devastating collapse after a dominant first half.
This game will undoubtedly go down as one of the most thrilling in NCAA women’s basketball history. As Verdi put it,“It was one heck of a roadmap.”
For more details on the game, check out the full box score and relive the historic moments that defined this unforgettable comeback.
Pitt Women’s Basketball Stages Historic Comeback to Stun SMU
In a game that will be remembered for years to come, the Pitt Panthers women’s basketball team pulled off a historic comeback against SMU, erasing a 25-point deficit to secure a thrilling victory. The game, filled with dramatic twists and jaw-dropping performances, showcased the resilience and determination of the Panthers, who tied the largest comeback in program history.
The turning point came in the second half, when Marley Washenitz ignited the Panthers’ offense with back-to-back 3-pointers. Despite her efforts, pitt still trailed by 25 points. However, the team refused to back down. Faye, another key player, contributed six straight points midway through the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 15.
As the momentum shifted, Pitt head coach Lance Verdi found himself fully immersed in the action. “I think I was down in a defensive stance as well—and I don’t get that low that frequently enough,” Verdi said. “I just was in the game with them. I think I had both fists like just curled up. And I was like, ‘We got this, we got this.'”
The Panthers’ relentless effort paid off. A 3-pointer by Johnson with just nine seconds left in the third quarter brought Pitt within three points, setting the stage for a dramatic fourth quarter. MaKayla Elmore opened the final period with another 3-pointer, capping off a staggering 31-0 run that tied the game.
SMU briefly regained the lead twice in the early stages of the fourth quarter, but Pitt’s determination was unshakable. Washenitz’s clutch jumper tied the game at 54, and Elmore’s 3-pointer with 4:55 remaining put the Panthers ahead for good.
“Once the game ended and once I really realized what occurred, it’s amazing,” Verdi said. “But I’m just so proud. I’m proud of the players because they made it happen. It’s not me. Our kids did this,and they deserve this.”
Inside the Stats: A Tale of Two Halves
The numbers behind Pitt’s comeback are nothing short of astonishing. Here’s a breakdown of the key statistics:
| Statistic | SMU | Pitt |
|—————————–|———————–|————————|
| Second-Half Shooting | 2-for-28 (7%) | 16-for-24 (66.7%) |
| First 9 Minutes Shooting | 10-for-18 (55.6%) | 0-for-10 (0%) |
| Final 31 Minutes Shooting | 5-for-44 (11.4%) | 16-for-24 (66.7%) |
| 2-Point Makes (Final 3 Qtrs)| 0 | 12 |
| 3-Point Makes (Final 3 Qtrs)| 5 | 4 |
SMU’s Nya Robertson, who dominated the first half with 21 points, was held to just two points in the second half. The only mustangs player to score a field goal in the final two quarters was Zanai Jones, who went 2-for-10 during that stretch. Her teammates combined to shoot a dismal 0-for-18 in the second half.
Key Players and Performances
- Marley Washenitz: Her back-to-back 3-pointers in the second half sparked Pitt’s comeback.
- MaKayla Elmore: her clutch 3-pointer in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Panthers.
- Faye: Contributed six straight points during the third quarter to keep Pitt within striking distance.
What this Means for Pitt
This historic win not only ties the largest comeback in Pitt women’s basketball history but also serves as a testament to the team’s grit and determination.For SMU, the loss is a harsh reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in basketball.As the Panthers celebrate this astonishing victory, fans are left wondering: What’s next for this resilient team? With performances like this, Pitt is proving they’re a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.
For more updates on the Pitt Panthers women’s basketball team, follow their journey on ESPN.—
what do you think about Pitt’s historic comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Pitt Women’s Basketball Stages Historic Comeback to Stun SMU: A Deep Dive with Expert Analysis
In a game that will be remembered for years to come, the Pitt Panthers women’s basketball team pulled off a historic comeback against SMU, erasing a 32-point deficit to secure a thrilling victory. This remarkable achievement not only tied the largest comeback in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history but also showcased the grit and determination of the Panthers. To break down this unforgettable game, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter,a sports analyst and former college basketball coach,to discuss the key moments,strategies,and what this means for Pitt moving forward.
The Turning Point: How pitt Shifted Momentum
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the turning point of the game. Pitt was down 46-14 late in the first half and trailed by 31 points at halftime. What changed in the second half to spark such a dramatic comeback?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. The turning point was undoubtedly the halftime adjustments made by Coach Tory Verdi. He challenged his team to play with pride and intensity, and they responded in a big way. The Panthers came out with a renewed focus on defense,wich completely shut down SMU in the third quarter. Holding a team scoreless for an entire quarter is incredibly rare, and it speaks volumes about Pitt’s defensive execution and energy.
Offensively, players like Marley Washenitz and Faye stepped up in critical moments. Washenitz’s back-to-back 3-pointers were a spark, and Faye’s six straight points in the third quarter kept the momentum alive. It was a collective effort, but those individual performances were crucial in shifting the game’s momentum.
Key Players: Who Stepped Up When It Mattered Most?
Senior Editor: Speaking of individual performances, let’s talk about the key players. Who stood out to you in this historic comeback?
Dr. Emily Carter: There were several standout performances, but I’d highlight three players in particular. First, Marley Washenitz was instrumental in igniting the offense with her timely 3-pointers. Her confidence and ability to hit big shots under pressure were vital.
Second,Faye was a force in the paint. Her six straight points during the third quarter were a turning point, and she consistently made plays on both ends of the floor. MaKayla Elmore deserves recognition for her clutch 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, which essentially sealed the victory. These players showed tremendous poise and leadership when the team needed it most.
Coaching Strategy: What Made the Difference?
senior Editor: Coach Verdi’s halftime speech has been widely discussed. What do you think made his message so effective,and how did his strategy contribute to the comeback?
Dr. Emily Carter: Coach Verdi’s ability to connect with his players and inspire them was key. He didn’t rely on complex plays or tactics; instead, he emphasized pride, effort, and belief. Sometimes, the simplest messages are the most powerful. By challenging his team to fight and giving them a clear roadmap, he empowered them to take ownership of the game.
Strategically, the decision to ramp up the defensive pressure was brilliant.SMU was completely thrown off by Pitt’s intensity, and the Mustangs struggled to regain their rhythm. Verdi also made smart adjustments to the offense, focusing on getting the ball to his playmakers in high-percentage situations. It was a masterclass in coaching under pressure.
What This Means for Pitt’s Future
senior Editor: This win is undoubtedly a milestone for the program. What does this historic comeback mean for Pitt moving forward?
Dr.emily Carter: This win is a testament to the team’s resilience and potential. it’s the kind of victory that can define a season and build confidence for the future.For a program that has been working to establish itself as a contender, this game sends a message to the rest of the league: Pitt is a team that never gives up and can compete with anyone.
Looking ahead, the challenge will be maintaining this level of intensity and focus.If they can build on this performance, the Panthers have the potential to make noise in the ACC and beyond. This game could be the spark that propels them to greater success.
Final Thoughts: A Game for the ages
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, any final thoughts on this historic game?
Dr. Emily Carter: This was one of those rare games that reminds us why we love sports. The sheer determination and heart displayed by the Pitt Panthers were inspiring. It’s a game that will be talked about for years, not just for the record books but for the unbelievable story of perseverance and teamwork. Congratulations to Pitt on an unforgettable victory!
what do you think about Pitt’s historic comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
