Sam Houston St. Bearkats vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 21st 2024

Preview and Prediction

Pittsburgh is looking to extend its impressive home winning streak to 13 games this Saturday as they wrap up their non-conference play against Sam Houston.

The Panthers started their winning streak last season and have continued their dominance at the Peterson Events Center, boasting a perfect 6-0 record at home so far this season. Their most recent victory was a decisive win over Eastern Kentucky on December 11th.

Freshman Brandin Cummings was recognized as the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week after his outstanding performance against Eastern Kentucky. He scored 30 points, shooting 10-for-13 from the floor and sinking 6 of 8 three-pointers. This was a huge improvement from his previous five games, where he only scored a total of 22 points.

Head coach Jeff Capel praised Cummings' hard work and dedication, saying that his confidence on the court has grown as a result. Capel also commended Cummings for his work ethic and desire to improve.

Ishmael Leggett has been a key player for the Panthers, averaging 17.0 points per game. However, Jaland Lowe has struggled with his shooting in the last three games, only making 35.6 percent of his shots.

After their dominant win over Eastern Kentucky, the Panthers have had a break before their next game against ACC newcomer California on New Year's Day. Capel believes this break has been beneficial for the team, especially after a tough stretch of games.

Sam Houston, with a record of 6-5, is led by Lamar Wilkerson who averages 20.0 points per game. Wilkerson scored 19 points in their recent victory over St. Thomas (Texas) on Monday.

Kian Scoggins, Cameron Huefner, and Dorian Finister also had strong performances in the win, with Scoggins collecting 13 points and 17 rebounds, Huefner adding 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Finister contributing 11 points and 12 rebounds.

PREDICTION

Sam Houston St. Bearkats

Pittsburgh Panthers

Sam Houston St. Bearkats vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Recap DEC 21TH 2024

Zack Austin and Ishmael Leggett each collected 23 points and five rebounds to fuel host Pittsburgh to a 110-78 victory over Sam Houston on Saturday afternoon.

Both players made 8 of 12 shots from the floor, however Austin sank five 3-pointers to highlight a sizzling shooting display.

They weren't alone for the Panthers (10-2), who shot a robust 58.5 percent from the floor and 51.6 percent from 3-point range.

The sharp shooting and decisive edge in rebounds (36-24) helped Pittsburgh capture its third win in a row and 13th straight at home dating back to last season.

Jaland Lowe collected 18 points and 11 assists for his third double-double of the season. He became the first Panthers player with consecutive double-doubles with at least 10 assists since Tray Woodall in 2011-12.

Cameron Corhen scored 15 points and Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week Brandin Cummings added 10 off the bench for Pittsburgh.

The Panthers concluded their nonconference schedule on Saturday. Now, they will set their sights on their ACC opener on Jan. 1 against California.

Cameron Huefner scored 26 points and Lamar Wilkerson added 15 for the Bearkats (6-6), who saw their two-game winning streak come to a halt. Sam Houston fell to 2-5 on the road despite shooting 53.6 percent from the floor.

Pittsburgh enjoyed a fast start out of the blocks, with Austin draining a 3-pointer and Leggett making a jumper before Lowe scored the next five points to claim a 10-0 lead.

Huefner sank a jumper to trim the Panthers' lead to 17-14 before Cummings provided the Panthers a bit of breathing room with a pair of free throws and a three-point play as part of an 11-0 run.

Huefner's 3-pointer with 20 seconds left in the first half brought Sam Houston within 12 at intermission before Pitt turned on the jets in the second half.

Lowe sank two 3-pointers, Corhen added a pair of emphatic dunks in the early going, and the Panthers were not seriously threatened the rest of the way.