Well-rested Pitt amid comforts of home vs. Sam Houston

Pittsburgh aims to extend its home winning streak to 13 games on Saturday afternoon when it concludes non-conference play against Sam Houston.

The Panthers began the winning streak last season before improving to 6-0 at the Peterson Events Center in 2024-25 following a decisive victory over Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 11.

Brandin Cummings received Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week honors after erupting for 30 points on 10-for-13 shooting from the floor -- including 6 of 8 from 3-point range -- in the 96-56 romp over the Colonels. That's quite an impressive performance considering the freshman scored a total of 22 points in his previous five games.

Pitt coach Jeff Capel said Cummings has become more confident on the court.

"The confidence comes because of the work," Capel said. "He's a gym rat. He's one of the most low-maintenance guys I've coached. He's a sponge. He wants to learn. He wants to be really good."

Ishmael Leggett, who has scored 17 points in consecutive games, is averaging a team-best 17.0 points per contest.

Jaland Lowe is contributing 16.5 points, however he is shooting just 35.6 percent from the floor (16 of 45) over his last three games.

The Panthers have been idle since dismantling Eastern Kentucky. They'll enjoy another lengthy stretch in between games before tipping off against ACC newcomer California on New Year's Day.

"I think the break has been good for us," Capel said, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "It came at a really good time after a tough stretch."

Lamar Wilkerson is averaging a team-high 20.0 points for Sam Houston (6-5), which won the Conference USA regular-season title last season.

Wilkerson scored 19 points in the Bearkats' 80-54 victory over St. Thomas (Texas) on Monday.

Kian Scoggins collected 13 points and 17 rebounds, Cameron Huefner added 13 and 10 and Dorian Finister had 11 and 12, respectively.

--Field Level Media