Pittsburgh Panthers Edge Wake Forest in Overtime Thriller
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Petersen Events Center
Pittsburgh Panthers 80, Wake Forest Demon Deacons 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Pittsburgh Panthers?
Pittsburgh Panthers beat Wake Forest Demon Deacons 80-76 at Petersen Events Center on January 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Pittsburgh Panthers?
Pittsburgh Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Pittsburgh Panthers triumphed over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a final score of 80-76 after overtime. This victory comes as a much-needed boost for the Panthers, who have struggled in recent games, and marks their first win against Wake Forest in their last meeting, where they lost 74-76 on February 1, 2025. The game took place at the Petersen Events Center, where the Panthers have a home record of 9-12 this season.
The Panthers entered this game with a recent record of 3-7 over their last ten games, currently on a three-game losing streak. Their average points scored during this stretch was 73.5, while they allowed 73.2 points per game. In their last five games, they averaged 70.8 points scored and 79.0 points allowed. Their last outing was a loss to the NC State Wolfpack, where they fell 72-81 on January 24, 2026.
In contrast, the Demon Deacons came into the game with an 11-10 record and a 4-6 record over their last ten games, currently on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 76.5 points scored and 80.4 points allowed during this span. In their last five games, they scored an average of 75.6 points while allowing 83.4 points. Their most recent game was a loss to the Duke Blue Devils, where they were defeated 69-90 on January 24, 2026.
The betting odds from DraftKings favored the Panthers slightly, with a spread of -1.5 and a total set at 150.5. The money line showed the Panthers at -112.0 and the Demon Deacons at -108.0, indicating a competitive matchup.
The game was played under typical basketball conditions, with both teams looking to capitalize on their respective strengths. The Panthers, despite their recent struggles, managed to find a way to secure the win in overtime, showcasing resilience and determination. Key moments in the overtime period included critical free throws and three-pointers that swung the momentum back and forth between the two teams.
As the game progressed into overtime, Myles Colvin made significant contributions, including free throws that kept the Demon Deacons close. However, Brandin Cummings' three-pointer, assisted by Omari Witherspoon, gave the Panthers a crucial lead. Omari Witherspoon also played a pivotal role, scoring a step-back jump shot and making several free throws that ultimately secured the victory for Pittsburgh.
The Panthers' ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the overtime period, was a highlight of the game. With this win, they not only broke their losing streak but also gained a much-needed confidence boost as they look to improve their overall record. The Demon Deacons, on the other hand, will need to regroup after this close loss and address their defensive shortcomings as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PITT -1.5 | 150.5 o -108 / u -112 | Wake Forest Demon Deacons -108 · Pittsburgh Panthers -112 |
Leaders
- PointsRoman Siulepa15Pittsburgh Panthers
- AssistsOmari Witherspoon4Pittsburgh Panthers
- ReboundsRoman Siulepa15Pittsburgh Panthers
- PointsMyles Colvin18Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- AssistsSebastian Akins3Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- ReboundsCooper Schwieger11Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Recent form
Pittsburgh Panthers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L373.5 scored · 73.2 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L72-81vs NC State WolfpackJan 24
- L62-65at Boston College EaglesJan 22
- L59-100vs Louisville CardinalsJan 18
- W89-66at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 15
- L72-83vs Syracuse OrangeJan 10
- L68-73vs Clemson TigersJan 3
- L69-76at Miami HurricanesDec 31
- W80-46at Penn State Nittany LionsDec 21
- W103-63vs Binghamton BearcatsDec 18
- L61-79at Villanova WildcatsDec 13
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Last 10: 4-6Streak L276.5 scored · 80.4 allowed per game1-3 away
- L69-90at Duke Blue DevilsJan 24
- L79-91vs SMU MustangsJan 21
- W69-68at Florida State SeminolesJan 17
- L84-87at North Carolina Tar HeelsJan 10
- L77-81vs Miami HurricanesJan 8
- W81-78vs Virginia Tech HokiesJan 3
- L57-70at NC State WolfpackDec 31
- L67-98vs Vanderbilt CommodoresDec 21
- W71-68vs Longwood LancersDec 18
- W111-73vs Queens University RoyalsDec 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Wake Forest Demon Deacons | Pittsburgh Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-59 | 26-68 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 7-24 | 11-36 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 31 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 17-25 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 26 |
| Assists | 10 | 12 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 24 |
| Fouls | 21 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 83 | 12 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half46-44Cameron Corhen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-44Myles Colvin makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half48-47Macari Moore makes 23-foot three point jumper (Omari Witherspoon assists)
- 2nd Half48-49Macari Moore makes layup (Omari Witherspoon assists)
- 2nd Half49-49Myles Colvin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-49Myles Colvin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-52Omari Witherspoon makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nojus Indrusaitis assists)
- 2nd Half50-55Nojus Indrusaitis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Barry Dunning Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half51-55Myles Colvin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-55Myles Colvin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-55Sebastian Akins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-55Sebastian Akins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-57Omari Witherspoon makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half56-57Cooper Schwieger makes layup
- 2nd Half56-58Omari Witherspoon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-58Cooper Schwieger makes layup
- 2nd Half59-58Omaha Biliew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-58Myles Colvin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-60Barry Dunning Jr. makes layup (Brandin Cummings assists)
- 2nd Half61-61Cameron Corhen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-62Cameron Corhen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-62Isaac Carr makes layup
- 2nd Half64-62Juke Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-62Sebastian Akins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-64Barry Dunning Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-66Roman Siulepa makes 6-foot dunk
- OT68-66Sebastian Akins makes layup (Tre'Von Spillers assists)
- OT68-69Roman Siulepa makes 23-foot three point jumper (Omari Witherspoon assists)
- OT68-70Barry Dunning Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT68-71Barry Dunning Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT71-71Cooper Schwieger makes 24-foot three point jumper (Myles Colvin assists)
- OT72-71Myles Colvin makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT73-71Myles Colvin makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT73-74Brandin Cummings makes 24-foot three point jumper (Omari Witherspoon assists)
- OT76-74Myles Colvin makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sebastian Akins assists)
- OT76-75Omari Witherspoon makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT76-77Omari Witherspoon makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
- OT76-78Omari Witherspoon makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT76-79Omari Witherspoon makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT76-80Barry Dunning Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Pittsburgh Panthers, below favours Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
Venue
- Petersen Events CenterPittsburgh, PA
- Attendance4970
- OfficialsJeff Clark, Clarence Armstrong, K.B. Burdett Jr.
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond