Panthers Dominate Bearcats in Nonconference Tuneup

PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — Barry Dunning scored 23 points and Pittsburgh used a dominant first-half offensive display to cruise past Binghamton 103-63 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Petersen Events Center.

The Panthers (6-6) snapped a two-game losing streak by overwhelming the visiting Bearcats (3-9) from the opening tip, building a 57-34 halftime lead that was never challenged. Pittsburgh shot a blistering 57 points in the opening period, fueled by a balanced attack that saw four players reach double figures by the game’s end.

The most important stretch of the game came early, as Pittsburgh established immediate control. After a slow start for both teams, the Panthers ignited a 17-4 run midway through the first half to break open a close contest. The surge turned a narrow 10-8 lead into a commanding 27-12 advantage with just over 12 minutes remaining before halftime. The run was emblematic of the Panthers’ superior athleticism and execution, featuring transition baskets, defensive stops, and efficient scoring from multiple sources.

Dunning, a 6-foot-6 guard from Mobile, Alabama, led all scorers and was the catalyst throughout. He added three blocked shots in just 23 minutes of action, showcasing a two-way impact that helped stifle Binghamton’s offense. His performance marked a season-high in scoring, providing a needed offensive spark for a Panthers team seeking consistency.

He was complemented by freshman guard Nojus Indrusaitis, who had 16 points and five assists, and backcourt mate Brandin Cummings, who added 17 points and four assists. Forward Cameron Corhen provided a strong interior presence with 14 points. Roman Siulepa and Omari Witherspoon each added 12 points off the bench for Pittsburgh, which saw 10 different players score.

Binghamton, which has now lost three straight, was led by Demetrius Lilley’s 13 points. Jeremiah Quigley and Jake Blackburn each contributed 12 points for the Bearcats, who struggled to handle Pittsburgh’s defensive pressure, committing numerous turnovers that led to easy Panther baskets.

The Panthers’ offense operated with precision, assisting on a high percentage of their made field goals and shooting efficiently from the floor. Their defensive effort, highlighted by eight total blocks and 12 steals, consistently disrupted Binghamton’s sets and created fast-break opportunities.

The victory moves Pittsburgh back to .500 on the season as it prepares to enter Atlantic Coast Conference play later this month. The Panthers will travel to face Penn State on Sunday in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Binghamton, continuing a difficult stretch of its schedule, will look to regroup on the road at Mercyhurst on Saturday.

An announced crowd of 4,687 at the Petersen Events Center watched the Panthers deliver one of their most complete performances of the young season, dominating in all phases to secure a comfortable 40-point victory. The result was in line with pregame expectations, as Pittsburgh was a heavy favorite and the combined score easily surpassed the projected over/under.