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Pitt Women’s Basketball Achieves Historic Comeback Victory Over SMU

ByCoach

In an unforgettable display of resilience and determination, the Pittsburgh Panthers women’s basketball team achieved a historic comeback against SMU. They tied the NCAA Division I women’s basketball record for the biggest comeback.

Down by 32 points in the first half and still trailing by 31 at halftime, Pittsburgh rallied to stun SMU with a 72-59 victory. This remarkable feat mirrors the record set by Texas State in 2006.

This blog post delves into the details of this extraordinary game, the strategies employed by Pittsburgh’s coach Tory Verdi, and the statistical highlights that underscore this monumental achievement.

Pittsburgh’s Unbelievable Comeback

On January 12, 2025, the Pittsburgh Panthers faced a daunting challenge as they hosted SMU. The game seemed all but over when the Panthers found themselves down by 32 points in the first half.

However, the second half told a different story. Pittsburgh’s coach, Tory Verdi, motivated his team with a simple yet powerful message: *fight*.

And fight they did, producing one of the most incredible comebacks in NCAA history.

First Half Struggles

The first half was a nightmare for Pittsburgh. The Panthers missed their first 10 shots and started 2 for 20 from the field. SMU capitalized on Pittsburgh’s struggles, building a 32-7 lead after the first quarter.

By the time halftime arrived, SMU had extended their lead to 49-18, seemingly putting the game out of reach.

  • Pittsburgh’s Shooting Woes: The Panthers started 0 for 10 and 2 for 20 from the field.
  • SMU’s Dominance: The Mustangs shot 10 for 18 from the field in the game’s first 9 minutes.

Second Half Turnaround

The second half was a completely different story. Pittsburgh came out with renewed energy and determination. Johnson and Marley Washenitz opened the second half with 3-pointers, sparking a 58-13 run that would ultimately secure the victory.

The Panthers outscored SMU 28-0 in the third quarter, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

  • Key Performers: Mikayla Johnson scored 22 points, while Khadija Faye added 21.
  • Third Quarter Dominance: Pittsburgh outscored SMU 28-0 in the third quarter.

Strategic Insights from Coach Tory Verdi

Coach Tory Verdi played a crucial role in orchestrating this historic comeback. At halftime, he delivered a motivational speech focused on pride and resilience.

Verdi emphasized the importance of outworking and outplaying their opponents, providing a roadmap that guided the Panthers’ remarkable turnaround.

Halftime Motivation

Verdi’s halftime speech was a turning point for Pittsburgh. He challenged his players to take pride in their performance and to fight for every point.

This positive, spirited conversation helped refocus the team and instill the belief that they could still win the game.

  • Focus on Pride: Verdi emphasized the importance of playing with pride and determination.
  • Clear Roadmap: The coach provided a strategic plan to guide the team’s comeback.

In-Game Adjustments

Throughout the second half, Verdi made several key adjustments that contributed to the Panthers’ success. He encouraged his players to remain aggressive on both ends of the court, leading to a suffocating defensive effort that stifled SMU’s offense.

Verdi’s hands-on coaching style, including his own defensive stance on the sidelines, inspired the team to push through adversity.

  • Aggressive Defense: Pittsburgh’s relentless defense held SMU to just 13 points in the second half.
  • Hands-On Coaching: Verdi’s active involvement and encouragement boosted the team’s morale.

Statistical Highlights of the Comeback

The statistical breakdown of Pittsburgh’s comeback against SMU reveals several remarkable figures. From shooting percentages to scoring runs, these numbers highlight the extraordinary nature of the Panthers’ victory.

Shooting Percentages

Pittsburgh’s shooting improved dramatically in the second half, while SMU’s accuracy plummeted. The Panthers made 16 of their final 24 shots, showcasing their offensive efficiency.

In contrast, SMU shot just 2 for 28 (7%) in the second half, struggling to find any rhythm.

  • Pittsburgh’s Improvement: The Panthers made 16 of their final 24 shots.
  • SMU’s Struggles: The Mustangs shot 2 for 28 (7%) in the second half.

Scoring Runs

The Panthers’ 31-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters was the defining moment of the game. This scoring burst erased SMU’s lead and shifted the momentum in Pittsburgh’s favor.

SMU’s inability to score during this stretch, combined with Pittsburgh’s relentless offense, sealed the historic comeback.

Conclusion

Pittsburgh’s record-tying comeback against SMU will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history.

The Panthers’ resilience and strategic brilliance from coach Tory Verdi showcased the true spirit of competition.

As Pittsburgh continues its season, this historic victory serves as a testament to the power of determination and teamwork.

For more details on this incredible game, visit the full article on CBS News Pittsburgh.

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