Houghton, N.Y. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's basketball team won a thriller over Houghton in their season opener, forcing the game into overtime in the final minute of regulation and winning the game with 2 seconds to go in the extra period.

• The Panthers got off to a slow start in their first contest of the season, as the hosts started the game with two quick three-pointers. It did not take them long to get into a groove, however, as they were able to erase the early deficit and take their first lead of the season on a Dylan Meyer layup just over four minutes in. The Panthers maintained the momentum over the next ten minutes, building up a 16-point lead that was punctuated by a Greg Archie layup. Meyer scored four more in the rally, while Nathan Schneider scored seven. 
• The Highlanders were able to whittle away at the Panther advantage in the final five minutes, allowing only a Dylan Meyer layup as they cut the lead to 7 at the half. Schneider scored 9 in the half, while Meyer added 8.
• After the break, the Panthers extended their lead back to double digits on 6 straight points, but the break in momentum did not last long, as Houghton scored 6 straight of their own to cut the lead to 6. A Schneider three held off the Highlander rally, as the Panthers were able to maintain the 10 point advantage until there were 9 minutes remaining.
• In the final 9 minutes, The Panthers struggled to score, as their hosts slowly erased their lead, going ahead of Pitt-Bradford with 4:43 to go. They pushed their own advantage to as many as four, but two Isaiah Archie free throws and a Schneider layup tied the game at 69 with just over a minute to play. Both teams had chances to win the game in the final minute but were unable to score the go-ahead bucket, forcing the game into overtime.
• In overtime, the Highlanders scored first, but the Panthers immediately responded with an Isaiah Archie three to retake the lead. After a Schneider free throw, Archie extended the lead to four points with a layup. Houghton quickly hit a three to go down one and used a three-point play to tie the game after Schneider knocked down a pair of free throws.
• Both teams were unable to score over the next two minutes, leaving the score tied at 77 when the Panthers took a timeout with 10 seconds to go. Out of the timeout, Trey Oyler found Schneider, who hit a short jumper in traffic to give the Panthers the edge with under two seconds remaining. Houghton was able to get a halfcourt shot up before the buzzer, but it went wide, giving the Panthers the victory.

Schneider had an incredible game in his Pitt-Bradford debut. The junior transfer scored 25 points, including the game-winner, on 10-20 shooting. He also recorded a double-double, as he grabbed 10 rebounds in the game. Isaiah Archie scored 17 in his collegiate debut, while he also filled the entire stat sheet as he finished with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals. His brother Greg Archie, scored 13 while also finishing with 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

The win not only is the first for the Panthers this season, but it also marks the first career win for head coach Jesse DeLoof. The Panthers will be back on the road for a Saturday match-up at Wells before finally returning to KOA Arena for their home-opener against Juniata next Tuesday.