Zack Austin clinches dramatic win for Pitt with buzzer-beater

On Friday, November 29, 2024, the University of Pittsburgh men's basketball team faced off against Ohio State in a thrilling overtime game, ultimately concluding with Pitt's victory by a narrow margin of 91-90. The game showcased a remarkable performance by reserve player Zack Austin, who topped the scoreboard for the Panthers with six crucial points in the final seconds. After a tightly contested regulation period that saw multiple lead changes, it was Austin's ability to score under pressure that shifted the momentum and secured the win for Pitt. The game was intense, with both teams exchanging leads throughout, and it kept fans on the edge of their seats. Pitt found themselves in a challenging position after Devin Royal of Ohio State made a foul shot to put their team ahead 90-88 in the final moments. With only six seconds remaining and no timeouts left, Austin exhibited quick thinking and strategic gameplay. He inbounded the ball to teammate Jaland Lowe, who skillfully made his way past half-court before making a decisive pass to Austin. With defenders bearing down, Austin managed to find space and hit a three-pointer just as time expired, pulling out a dramatic win for the Panthers in front of their home crowd. Overall, Austin's performance redeemed him as he successfully converted 15 of his 16 points from beyond the arc. This included crucial shots throughout the game, such as a three-pointer in the final moments of regulation that tied the score at 77 before overtime. Despite a quieter shooting night for Lowe, who went 0 for 5 from three-point range, he still played a pivotal role by leading the team in scoring with a career-high of 28 points, complemented by his strong free-throw shooting. Ishmael Leggett also contributed significantly with 21 points, indicating a solid team effort from Pitt in this high-stakes game. On the opposing side, Ohio State put forth a valiant effort, primarily powered by Bruce Thornton, who scored 24 points, and Royal, who added 18. Micah Parrish also contributed 15 points, but their best efforts came up just short in the final moments of play. This game not only highlighted the individual talents of players like Austin and Lowe but also underscored the competitive spirit inherent in college basketball. The victory improves Pittsburgh’s season record to 7-1, while Ohio State falls to 5-2, signaling that both teams still have room for growth as the season progresses.