Pitt’s trio of freshman stars combined for 65 points against New Orleans on Thursday night at the Petersen Events Center, with each of Au’Diese Toney, Trey McGowens and Xavier Johnson scoring 20 points or more in the contest. It was a history-making performance, as it was the first time that three Pitt freshmen ever scored 20 points in the same game. And thanks to the trio’s contribution, the Panthers were able to rout the Privateers 99-57 in an entirely one-sided affair.
While casual observers may only see a Power Five team bludgeoning a low-major squad in predictable fashion, for those closely observing Pitt this season, it was a momentous occasion, as it was the first time Toney, McGowens and Johnson all appeared to be on the same page.