Pitt’s thrilling 67-66 victory over Ohio State was defined by Damarco Minor’s unforgettable buzzer-beater, a shot that not only stunned the Buckeyes but also gave the Panthers a much-needed statement win.
The Petersen Events Center was electric on Black Friday as Pitt (5-3) handed Ohio State (6-1) its first loss of the season. With just 3.7 seconds left, the Buckeyes had seemingly stolen the game when Amare Bynum converted a second-chance layup to put Ohio State ahead 66-64. But Minor, who had already been the spark for Pitt all night, raced up the floor and launched a 30-foot runner from just past half court. The ball swished through as the horn sounded, sending the crowd of 6,299 into chaos.
Minor finished with 18 points, tying teammates Cameron Corhen and Barry Dunning Jr. for the team lead. Corhen added a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Dunning chipped in 18 points of his own. Pitt’s offense was streaky, shooting just 38% from the field and 23% from three, but the Panthers’ resilience and clutch execution proved decisive.
For Ohio State, the loss was heartbreaking given the performances of their stars. Devin Royal scored a game-high 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep, with 17 of those points coming in the second half. Bruce Thornton added 18 points and 13 rebounds, keeping the Buckeyes within striking distance throughout. The Buckeyes overcame a sluggish start—falling behind 16-4 early—and even took their first lead with 8:41 left in the second half.
The game itself was a rollercoaster. Pitt controlled much of the first half, leading 34-24 at the break after multiple scoring runs. Ohio State clawed back with an 11-0 surge in the first half and later surged ahead in the second, but Pitt never folded. Despite missing sophomore guard Brandin Cummings, their second-leading scorer, the Panthers leaned heavily on Minor’s leadership and Corhen’s presence inside.
This win was monumental for Pitt. Coming off back-to-back losses to UCF and Quinnipiac, the Panthers desperately needed a confidence boost. Beating an undefeated Ohio State team—ranked among the Big Ten’s early-season contenders—was exactly that. It also marked the second straight season Pitt has beaten Ohio State on a buzzer-beating three-pointer, a rare feat that adds to the budding rivalry between the programs.
Ultimately, Minor’s shot will be remembered as one of the defining moments of Pitt’s season. Beyond the highlight, it showcased the team’s grit, their ability to respond under pressure, and their potential to compete in the ACC. For Ohio State, the loss is a bitter reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in college basketball. For Pitt, it was proof that even in a season of ups and downs, one shot can change everything.
Pitt will next play host to Texas A&M on Tuesday, December 2nd.
(photo courtesy of Columbus Dispatch)