As the Pitt Panthers prepared to host No. 20 Miami, the Oakland Zoo was packed to capacity 45 minutes before the tip, and the public slowly formed a line around it shortly thereafter. As they did, the Petersen Events Center was filled with sold-out crowds for the first time since 2019. 2 Duke brought his three future first-round picks and Jay Z to Steel City.
That arena sold out during the tenure of head coach Jeff Capel, mostly because marquee opponents like Duke, North Carolina and West Virginia came to town. I have rarely won a . The Panthers were the main event, and fans made sure the Hurricanes knew it.
For most of the game, 20 Miami’s clutch shot-making quelled any kind of energy the fans had begun to muster behind Pit’s encroachment at double-digit deficits. Every run their team attempted to start was met with silencers until the final 2:22 of the game when the Panthers embarked on an 11-0 run, turning an eight-point deficit to three points. Turned into a win, that their fans can ring in their full support. Blake Hinson’s go-ahead with 25.4 seconds left on the clock his chip-in elicited a reaction from the fans and the building shook.
“I thought it was a great college basketball game and a great atmosphere,” said Miami manager Jim Larrañaga.
Over 12,500 Pit fans filled Pete’s and became part of the game, while Oakland Zoo students enjoyed Hurricane’s relentless harassment.
“Auckland Zoo, you guys are really part of the team,” said Hinson.
With the 2003 Big East champion Panthers at home, the Petersen Events Center looked, felt, and sounded like the vaunted venue of their era. In its heyday, tickets to Pete were the most popular in town, and the home-court advantage generated by regular sell-outs was second to none. Built in a return to its golden age, Pitt was trying to “go back” to its heyday in the 2000s and early 2010s, but the game saw the program finally look like its old self. I felt like
The noon tip off on weekends was ideal. The opponents were great, the game was good, and most of all, the pits were good. The Panthers delivered a classic, almost mythical moment by storming from 8 down in the final 2:22 and stealing the win after seemingly unable to get out of their way for 37 minutes .
We hope that there will be a stronger bond between these fans and this team, and that the program and brand will stand out again. Fans rewarded them with their presence and enthusiasm. Senior guard Jamalius Burton was here last season. He’s played in front of lifeless, empty stands and doesn’t take for granted the opportunity to play in a high-stakes game in the power of a packed home crowd.
“We didn’t have that many fans in the building last year because we didn’t do our job,” Burton said. Even after suffering a tough defeat. “
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This is a landmark moment for fans, administrators, coaches, staff and above all players. Pitt’s players suffered his 1-3 starts and heavy losses to West Virginia and Michigan, but never lost faith in the mission.
Saturday night at Pete’s was a celebration of their work, their beliefs and their resilience. They earned it and the pit fans rewarded them.
“I think people feel connected to this group and this team. We’re just grateful,” Capel said. I’m grateful to the people working in the athletic department for their support, but I’m really glad they were able to experience it and feel that kind of energy.”
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