Pitt stuns SMU after being down 32 to set largest comeback in women’s basketball history

In a remarkable display of resilience, the University of Pittsburgh's women's basketball team mounted a 32-point comeback against Southern Methodist University (SMU) on January 7, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Panthers, who were trailing by 32 points in the first half, managed to overturn this deficit, tying the NCAA Division I women's basketball record for the largest comeback in history. At halftime, the Panthers found themselves down 31 points as SMU had dominated the first half, showcasing a powerful offense while limiting Pitt to just a few successful shots. Pittsburgh's head coach Tory Verdi remained optimistic at halftime, communicating to his team that he had no 'magic words' or 'magic plays' to turn the game around. However, he outlined a clear strategy that would allow them to claw back into the contest. Farrell polished the message by emphasizing teamwork and resilience, as the Panthers needed to want the victory more than their opponents did, according to players' reflections post-game. Following this rallying cry, the Panthers stormed out of halftime. The third quarter became a turning point, with Pittsburgh holding SMU scoreless, showcasing an extraordinary defensive effort. The Panthers capitalized on this by scoring 28 points without reply from their opponents, a phenomenal performance that marked the first time an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team had denied another team a single point in an entire quarter since 2018. After an explosive third quarter, the score transformation saw the tide shift dramatically in favor of Pitt. As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, the Panthers maintained their momentum and ultimately closed the match with a score of 72-59. Mikayla Johnson and Khadija Faye were standout players, scoring 22 and 21 points respectively, demonstrating their importance in the victory. This unprecedented comeback not only secured Pittsburgh's first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) win of the season but also etched their performance into the annals of NCAA history, serving as a pivotal moment for the players and the program as a whole.