Pitt
11-16,3-11ACC
Virginia
13-13,5-9ACC
Johnson Records Career-High in 80-67 Loss to Virginia
2/16/2025 5:15:00 PM | Women's Basketball
PITTSBURGH – Redshirt sophomore guard Mikayla Johnson recorded 27 points on 5-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc and 4-of-4 shooting from the charity stripe, but the Pitt women's basketball team suffered a 80-67 loss to Virginia Sunday evening at the Petersen Events Center.
The Panthers (11-16, 3-11 ACC) were paced by Johnson and graduate center Khadija Faye – who finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds for her 13th double-double of the season. Of note, Faye is currently the lone player in the ACC averaging 18+ points and 10+ boards.
Johnson's performance was highlighted by an explosive 12-point opening period in which she shot 5-of-6 from the floor, while drilling a pair of triples.
Senior forward MaKayla Elmore provided support down low for the Panthers, logging 11 rebounds, marking her fourth double-digit rebounding performance in ACC play.
As a unit, Pitt limited Virginia (13-13, 5-9 ACC) to just 25.8 percent from 3-point range – while forcing 16 turnovers. The Panthers have now forced 15+ turnovers in each of the last four games. Offensively, Pitt notched 19 assists on 23 made baskets, while committing only 10 turnovers – the fewest since the Dec. 8 win over Saint Peter's.
How It Happened
The two teams traded baskets to open the contest as Pitt trailed, 10-9, at the under-five media timeout. The back-and-forth affair continued for the remainder of the opening period as Virginia held a 20-18 lead after 10 minutes of action. Pitt was paced by Johnson in the first quarter, as she logged 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting from the field. Faye also had a stellar opening frame, logging six points and eight rebounds.
Washenitz canned a triple to open the second period, giving the Panthers a 21-20 lead, but Virginia responded with a blistering 11-3 run. The Panthers quickly responded with an 8-2 burst to pull within one at the 4:57 mark. The Cavaliers logged seven unanswered over the ensuing 2:36 of play, extending their lead to eight.
Pitt trailed, 42-36, at the break despite 15 points apiece from Johnson and Faye. Notably, both teams shot 13-for-34 (38.2 percent) from the floor in the first half.
The Panthers outscored the Cavaliers, 16-7, over the first 5:07 of the third period behind eight points from Johnson – to take a 52-49 lead. Virginia then closed the quarter with 12 unanswered and led 61-52 going into the final frame.
The Cavaliers increased their lead to 12 at the 8:41 mark, but Pitt responded with an 8-3 burst over the ensuing three minutes to pull within seven. The Panthers were unable to cut into the deficit any more down the stretch and ultimately fell, 80-67.
Game Notes
- Johnson notched a career-high 27 points, including 12 in the first quarter.
- Faye recorded her 13th double-double of the season in just 27 minutes of action.
- Pitt was able to remain competitive despite logging only two bench points.
- The Panthers finished the contest with a 23-8 advantage in fast break points.
Up Next
Pitt travels to No. 23 Florida State on Thursday, Feb. 20. Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m., and the game can be streamed via ACCNX.
