Preview: Binghamton Bearcats at Pittsburgh Panthers

PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — Two men’s basketball teams seeking to halt slides will meet Wednesday night when the Binghamton Bearcats visit the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center.

The Bearcats (3-8) enter on a two-game skid, most recently falling 84-67 at home to Central Connecticut on Saturday. The Panthers (5-6) have lost three straight, including a 79-61 defeat at Villanova their last time out.

Both sides will lean on their leading scorers to spark a turnaround. Binghamton guard Zyier Beverly is coming off a 21-point performance against Central Connecticut and has shown high-volume scoring ability, dropping 25 points in an overtime win over Lehigh on Dec. 2. He averages 16.0 points over his last three contests.

For Pittsburgh, forward Barry Dunning has been a consistent force amid the team’s struggles. He has scored in double figures in six consecutive games, averaging 16.2 points over that stretch. He logged 39 minutes and scored 17 points in the loss to Villanova.

The Panthers have fared well at home this season, holding a 4-1 record in Pittsburgh. Their victories have largely come against mid-major opponents, with their lone signature win a 67-66 triumph over Ohio State on Nov. 28. The Bearcats are 1-5 on the road, with their sole away victory coming against Patriot League member Lehigh.

Binghamton’s offense has stalled recently, failing to reach 70 points in four of its last five games. Beyond Beverly, production has been inconsistent. Wes Peterson (15 points) and Jeremiah Quigley (10 points, 7 assists) provided support against Central Connecticut but will need to replicate that against a major-conference opponent.

Pittsburgh’s defense, which allowed an average of 80 points during its three-game losing streak, will look to tighten up against the Bearcats. The Panthers’ upcoming schedule intensifies with ACC play beginning next week, making this a critical opportunity to build confidence.

Wednesday’s game is the first-ever meeting between the programs. For Binghamton, it represents a final non-conference test before America East play begins in January. For Pittsburgh, it’s a chance to steady itself before a Sunday matchup with Penn State.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.