Six Panthers Score in Double Figures as Pitt Routs Clarion in Exhibition, 103-51

PITTSBURGH — On Saturday afternoon, Pitt took down Clarion behind strong performances from Blake Hinson, Jamarius Burton, Nelly Cummings and more in a season-opening exhibition at the Petersen Events Center.

Hinson led the way with 20 points on 6-for-9 shooting (4- for 7 from three-point range), while Burton added 18 points and  Cummings went for 16 points, six steals, and four assists. The Midland, Pennsylvania native hit both of his three-point attempts in the winning effort.

Cummings and Burton started in the back court alongside wing Greg Elliott and forwards Hinson and Guillermo Diaz-Graham.

Elliott, a graduate transfer out of Marquette, hit three three-pointers, with two coming off assists from Burton. He finished with 15 points in his Pitt exhibition debut. Nate Santos was the third Panther to hit three three pointers on the day, going 3 for 7 from beyond the arch and finishing with 13 points.

Jamarius Burton just hit Greg Elliott in the corner for a converted three for the second time this game..

Here’s Burton on the #JustBuckets podcast talking about having Elliott out on the wing: pic.twitter.com/PCD1fW59z2

— George Michalowski (@MichalowskiCBB) October 22, 2022

Pitt’s freshmen twins — Guillermo and Jorge Diaz-Graham– both played significant minutes in their Panther debuts. Guillermo finished with four points and four rebounds in 21 minutes, while his brother Jorge added six points and four boards in 21 minutes.

Federiko Federiko, a sophomore big man, finished with ten points, throwing down alley-oops throughout the second half. He also grabbed ten rebounds in a double-double effort.

Nike Sibande played in his first game since suffering a torn ACL almost one year ago in an exhibition against Gannon. Sibande played 22 minutes, scored five points, and grabbed three rebounds.

Pitt juniors John Hugley and William Jeffress did not play in the exhibition due to injury. Both are expected to be ready for the season opener on Nov. 7 against UT Martin.

For Clarion, forward Mador Seye led the way with 13 points and six rebounds. Jayson Harris also contributed with seven points and five rebounds. Pittsburgh native Mekhi Reynolds (Shaler) tallied two points and five rebounds.

The Panthers will be back in action on Nov. 2 for an exhibition contest against Edinboro at 7 p.m. at the Petersen Events Center.