PITTSBURGH, Pa. – VMI Basketball stumbled in a road contest against Power Five Pittsburgh Monday night at Petersen Events Center.

The Keydets, who fall to 4-2, had a tough outing against the Panthers, 93-48. Pitt's offense exploded in the second half, shooting nearly 71% from the field and over 66% from deep, causing chaos on the defensive end for VMI.

Key Stats
- Keydets shot 25% from the field and 25% from the three-point line.
- Panthers shot almost 55% from the field and just under 43% from long range.
- VMI posted 18 second-chance points and 18 points in the paint.
- Linus Holmström posted a team and season-high 15 points while TJ Johnson tallied 12 points to round out double-digit scoring.
- Rickey Bradley, Jr. had a team-high seven boards while AJ Clark dished out a team-most three assists.
 

Scoring Summary
VMI got the scoring started with a Holmstrom and-one three-pointer that cut the deficit to 10-3 with just over 14 minutes in the half. Bradley Jr. followed up with a layup and free throw going into the under-12 media timeout, 14-6. After a quick 5-0 spurt by Pitt, VMI returned the favor with a nice jumper by Augustinas Kiudulas and a two-hand slam by Clark to make it a seven-point game.
 
The Keydets would cut the deficit to just three thanks to Holmstrom's 6-0 run, tallying a reverse layup, free throw, and long ball to make it 21-18. However, the Panthers would retaliate with a 9-0 surge and end the half on a 9-2 run, holding a 39-20 lead at the break.
 
It was a lightning start to the second frame for VMI, getting a three-bomb from Johnson and a Kiudulas jumper in the paint to make it 41-25. Pitt returned with a 10-0 run that made it a 26-point advantage by the first media timeout. The Panthers did not stop there, scoring 42 of the final 60 points of the game.
 
Next Up
The Keydets return to action on Friday, when they will face Davidson in Davidson, North Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
For more information, visit VMIKeydets.com or follow us on social media at VMI Athletics.