Amber Aniston • December 8, 2024

Lowe’s Late Surge Propels Pitt to 64-59 Victory Over Hokies

The No. 18 Pittsburgh Panthers rallied late to defeat Virginia Tech 64-59 in a hard-fought ACC opener on Saturday afternoon at Cassell Coliseum. Jaland Lowe delivered a standout performance, scoring 15 of his game-high 19 points in the second half, including 11 of Pitt’s final 13 points. The Panthers improved to 8-2 overall and 1-0 in the ACC, rebounding from a tough loss earlier in the week.


Virginia Tech led for most of the game, but Pitt’s defense and clutch play down the stretch proved to be the difference. The Hokies fell to 3-6 on the season and 0-1 in ACC play, marking their sixth consecutive loss.


Virginia Tech Takes Control Early

The Hokies started strong, capitalizing on Pitt’s early struggles. Virginia Tech jumped out to a 13-7 lead by the first media timeout, with Jaden Schutt hitting two three-pointers. Pitt’s offense struggled to find its rhythm, committing nine turnovers in the first half and shooting just 4-of-16 from beyond the arc.


Led by Tobi Lawal’s 16 points and strong defensive presence in the paint, the Hokies extended their lead to 36-28 at halftime. Virginia Tech’s ability to force Pitt into contested shots and their 13-2 run to close the half gave them a comfortable cushion heading into the break.


Pitt’s Second-Half Adjustments

The Panthers came out of the locker room with renewed defensive intensity, holding Virginia Tech to just 23 points on 33.3% shooting in the second half. Guillermo Diaz Graham and Zack Austin played pivotal roles on defense, combining for several key stops and rebounds.


Pitt’s offense also found its footing, with Lowe taking over in the final minutes. The sophomore guard hit a crucial three-pointer with 3:04 remaining to cut Virginia Tech’s lead to 56-54. Moments later, Lowe converted a driving layup to give Pitt its first lead of the second half at 60-59 with 50 seconds left.


Clutch Play Seals the Win

In the game’s final moments, Pitt’s defense stepped up, forcing Virginia Tech to miss their last seven field goal attempts. Diaz Graham delivered a critical block with 30 seconds remaining, while Lowe sealed the victory with four perfect free throws in the final 25 seconds. Pitt finished the game a flawless 12-of-12 from the free-throw line, including 6-of-6 in the last 90 seconds.


Ishmael Leggett added 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists for the Panthers, while Austin and Diaz Graham combined for 18 points and 12 boards. Pitt also edged Virginia Tech in the rebounding battle 31-30, improving to 7-0 this season when winning or tying on the glass.


Virginia Tech’s Struggles in the Clutch

Despite leading for much of the game, Virginia Tech’s offense faltered in the final five minutes. The Hokies scored just three points in the last 5:19, struggling to handle Pitt’s defensive pressure. Schutt and Lawal provided strong offensive performances, with Schutt hitting four three-pointers and finishing with 14 points, but their efforts were not enough to hold off Pitt’s late-game surge.


Turnovers continued to be an issue for the Hokies, who committed 17 on the day, leading to 17 points for Pitt. Virginia Tech’s inability to protect the ball and execute in crunch time ultimately cost them the game.


Looking Ahead

Pittsburgh returns home to face Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday, aiming to extend their momentum and refine their defensive strategy as ACC play heats up. With Lowe emerging as a reliable closer and the team demonstrating grit in tight games, Pitt looks poised to make a strong push in conference competition.


Virginia Tech will host North Carolina A&T on Thursday, seeking to snap their six-game losing streak. The Hokies will need to address their late-game execution and turnover issues to reverse their fortunes as they continue their ACC schedule.


A Resilient Win for Pitt

Pittsburgh’s ability to rally late and secure a victory in hostile territory highlighted their composure and growth as a team. With Lowe leading the charge and strong contributions from the supporting cast, the Panthers proved they could deliver in high-pressure situations. For Virginia Tech, the game underscored both their potential and the challenges they must overcome to compete consistently in the ACC.

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