Full Breakdown
College Basketball Exhibition Highlights: Pitt, UMass, and Penn State
10/21/2025, 2:58:54 PM
Pitt Panthers Secure Victory Against Providence
The University of Pittsburgh men's basketball team opened its 2025-26 season with a successful exhibition game against Providence, winning 81-74 at the Petersen Events Center. Under the guidance of head coach Jeff Capel, the Panthers showcased a balanced offensive effort, with five players scoring in double figures. Damarco Minor led the team with 15 points, contributing significantly to the victory. The Panthers will continue their exhibition schedule with a game against Pitt-Johnstown on October 27.
UMass Minutemen Triumph Over Brown
The Massachusetts men’s basketball team also kicked off its season with an exhibition win, defeating Brown 92-74. This game marked the first competitive action for the Minutemen in 221 days, allowing fans and media to assess the new roster under head coach Frank Martin. Notably, Marcus Banks Jr., a transfer from UMBC, excelled with 24 points, shooting a perfect 7-of-7 from three-point range. The Minutemen's performance highlighted the potential of their ten new players, including Leonardo Bettiol, who added depth to the frontcourt.
Penn State's Struggles Against Dayton
In contrast, the Penn State Nittany Lions faced challenges in their exhibition game against Dayton, losing 78-62. Head coach Mike Rhoades, who previously coached at VCU, returned to UD Arena with a new roster that included three returners and several newcomers. Despite the loss, Rhoades emphasized the importance of the experience for his young team, stating, “We knew how hard it would be... It was great for us to go on the road with our young team to experience that.” The Nittany Lions struggled offensively, shooting only 39.3% from the field.
Conclusion
The exhibition games served as a valuable platform for teams to evaluate their rosters and strategies. While Pitt and UMass celebrated victories, Penn State's loss highlighted the challenges ahead for Rhoades and his team. As the season approaches, these early performances will shape the trajectory of each program.
