Pitt
5-2,0-0ACC
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Kansas
5-1,0-0Big 12
Pitt Drops Nail-Biter to Kansas, 59-53
11/28/2024 3:47:00 PM | Women's Basketball
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands – The Pitt women's basketball team dropped its first game of the 2024 Paradise Jam, falling to Kansas (59-53) Thursday evening on the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands.
The Panthers (5-2, 0-0) were paced by redshirt sophomore Mikayla Johnson, as the Anchorage, Ala., native registered a career-high 14 points and seven rebounds in 36 minutes of action.
As a unit, Pitt held Kansas (5-1, 0-0 Big 12) to just 33.3 percent shooting from the field and 18.2 shooting from three-point range. Notably, the Panthers held the Jayhawks to 13.3 percent and 20.0 percent shooting from the floor in the second and third quarters, respectively.
Senior guard Bella Perkins led the Panthers' second unit, logging 10 points and four rebounds in arguably her best performance of the season.
How It Happened
The two sides exchanged baskets in the early going, before a 7-0 Kansas burst gave the Jayhawks a 9-3 advantage. Marley Washenitz then drained a triple, but Kansas immediately responded with another 7-0 run to go up 10 at the 4:03 mark. The Panthers and Jayhawks traded field goals for the remainder of the period, as Kansas held a 20-12 lead after 10 minutes of play.
A Khadija Faye jumper opened the second quarter scoring at the 9:22 mark, but both teams would be held scoreless for ensuing three minutes of action. After a 5-0 spurt from Kansas, Johnson drilled a pullup jumper to snap a four-minute scoring drought from Pitt. Neither team could sustain momentum to close the period, as the Panthers trailed 28-19 at the halftime break.
Pitt opened the third quarter with a quick 4-0 burst, forcing a Kansas timeout. Minutes later, two successful trips to the charity stripe from Johnson and Faye pulled the Panthers to within two (28-26) at the 5:14 mark. The two teams then traded field goals for the remainder of the frame, resulting in a 35-33 Kansas lead entering the fourth quarter.
The Panthers took the lead at the 8:38 point after field goals from Perkins and Aaryn Battle opened the final period. Kansas then went on a blistering 8-0 run and owned a 43-37 advantage with 6:02 left in the contest. Despite several triples down the stretch, Pitt was unable to close the gap and fell, 59-53.
Notes
- The Panthers outscored the Jayhawks by a 14-7 ledger in the third period.
- Pitt held Kansas to just 13.3 percent shooting in the second quarter.
- Johnson tallied a career-high 14 points, including several key buckets in the third quarter.
- Faye left the contest in the third quarter.
- Of note, she was +4 in 25 minutes of action.
Season Tickets
Season tickets for the 2024-25 Pitt women's basketball season are on sale now through the Panthers Ticket Office. Season tickets can be purchased for $75 each. The Panthers' schedule promises another exciting campaign in the ACC, which boasts multiple nationally ranked foes.
Secure your new 2024-25 season tickets HERE. Season ticket holders from last season who want to renew their season tickets can log onto their account online and renew HERE. All seating in the Petersen Events Center will be General Admission, excluding VIP Courtside.
Up Next
The Panthers will face Auburn on Friday, Nov. 29. Tipoff is slated for 12:30 p.m. ET.
