University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Late Rally Falls Short as Pitt Drops 69-65 Decision to Florida State
1/15/2026 9:19:00 PM | Women's Basketball
PITTSBURGH - The Pitt (8-11, 1-5 ACC) women's basketball team came up short Thursday evening, falling 69-65 to Florida State (6-12, 1-5 ACC) at the Petersen Events Center.
Mikayla Johnson led the Panthers with 19 points and seven rebounds, adding two steals. Carla Viegas finished with 15 points, knocking down three triples, while also contributing a career-high five rebounds and an assist.
Fatima Diakhate anchored Pitt on the glass, posting nine points and a game-high 16 rebounds. The redshirt junior forward added five blocks and went a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After an early Seminoles run in the opening quarter, Pitt answered with a 10-0 surge late in the period to tie the game at 16, led by Johnson, scoring 10 of her 19 points in the first frame. Pitt once again went on a 10-0 run in the second period, fueled by a Diakhate and-one, a Viegas three and back-to-back baskets by Lauren Rust. Florida State closed the second quarter on a 12-point run, though a pair of Viegas free throws halted the momentum and cut the deficit to 34-28 at halftime.
Florida State carried a double-digit lead into the fourth quarter, but the Panthers opened the final period on an 8-0 run, highlighted by consecutive three-pointers from Viegas and Jayda Queeley. Pitt later added a 7-2 stretch midway through the quarter to pull within one, 58-57, after Johnson converted a fast-break layup off a steal. Pitt outscored Florida State 20-13 in the final quarter and shot 45.5% from the field in the period, but the Seminoles sealed the game at the free-throw line.
GAME NOTES
- The Panthers shot 94% from the free throw line, connecting on 16 of 17 attempts.
- Pitt added 16 points off of 11 Seminole turnovers.
- The Panthers grabbed 35 defensive rebounds on the night.
UP NEXT
Pitt will return to action on Sunday, Jan. 18 to host SMU inside the Petersen Events Center. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. and will be available for streaming on ACCNX.
