Pittsburgh, PA — Brandin Cummings erupted off the bench for a career-high 30 points, leading Pittsburgh to a dominant 96-56 win over Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday night. Cummings, whose previous high was just 12 points, was unstoppable, finishing 10-of-13 from the field and 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. His performance marked the highest point total by an ACC freshman this season.
Zack Austin added 18 points, Ishmael Leggett contributed 17, and Jaland Lowe, who was held scoreless in the first half, finished with 11 points and 12 assists. The Panthers (9-2) shot a scorching 61% overall, including 67% in the second half, during which they outscored the Colonels 57-20. Pittsburgh also dominated from the free-throw line, hitting 19 of 25 attempts compared to just 3 of 5 for Eastern Kentucky.
George Kimble III led the Colonels (5-5) with 16 points, while Jordan Crawford added 13 and Devontae Blanton chipped in 11. Kimble and Crawford both reached double figures in the first half, but struggled in the second, with Kimble managing just five points and Crawford failing to score.
The game was close at halftime, with Pittsburgh holding a narrow 39-36 lead. However, the Panthers quickly pulled away in the second half, starting with a 23-0 run that pushed their advantage to 29 points with eight minutes remaining, capped off by Cummings’ final 3-pointer.
Cummings set the tone early, hitting three 3-pointers in the opening minutes to put Pitt in front. Kimble briefly answered with three consecutive 3-pointers of his own, and Crawford chipped in two more, briefly giving Eastern Kentucky a slim lead before the Panthers regained control.
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Eastern Kentucky will host Eastern Illinois on Saturday, while Pitt will have a break until December 21, when they will return to action at home against Sam Houston.
