Nike Sibande’s season-best afternoon propels Pitt to victory at Georgia Tech

Justin Guerriero | Saturday, January 14, 2023 5:15 p.m.

Taking a two-game losing streak into Saturday’s tipoff at Georgia Tech, Pitt successfully regrouped, picking up a key ACC win in Atlanta, 71-60.

It was Pitt’s first win at McCamish Pavilion.

The Panthers (12-6, 5-2 ACC) were propelled by guard Nike Sibande, who scored a career-high 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting off the bench. Sibande was 3 of 6 from 3-point range and grabbed six rebounds, second best on the team behind center Federiko Federiko’s seven.

“Nike’s doing his thing, man,” guard Nelly Cummings told 93.7 FM after the game. “I’m really proud of him and really excited for him. … To see him do what he’s doing is just a blessing.”

For the third straight game, Pitt was outrebounded, with the Yellow Jackets (8-9, 1-6) posting a 40-35 advantage.

But the Panthers overcame that thanks largely to a season-low three turnovers. Furthermore, Pitt played a disciplined defensive game, limiting Georgia Tech to three free throws.

Jamarius Burton scored 19 points for the Panthers, with Cummings adding 11 and Blake Hinson contributing 13.

Federiko, despite scoring only three points, earned praise for his defense.

“Federiko was absolutely outstanding,” Pitt associate head coach Tim O’Toole said. “He was helping everywhere, all the time. We didn’t foul, and I thought he did such a great job. Defensively, we showed up tonight.”

Pitt was up by four at halftime and led the rest of the way. While Georgia Tech came close a couple of times, the Panthers never relinquished their lead.

The Panthers had a strong start to the second half, steadily taking a 46-36 lead by the first media timeout.

But less than five minutes later, Georgia Tech was threatening, having crept to within four points.

With 9 minutes, 6 seconds to play, Cummings scored a layup to put Pitt back up by nine. Attempting to rally again, the Yellow Jackets trimmed their deficit to 58-53 with 5:42 to play.

The teams went scoreless for the next 2:23.

With 3:19 to play, Sibande made a layup in transition, battling to the rim through traffic and drawing a foul. After Sibande hit the ensuing free throw, Cummings drove to the basket for a layup, handing Pitt a 63-53 lead with 2:24 left in the game.

The closest Georgia Tech would come from there would be nine points.

Pitt completes its three-game road trip Wednesday at last-place Louisville.