Pittsburgh Defeats Stanford in Dramatic ACC Tournament Matchup

Officials fix clock error in final seconds to seal Panthers' 64-63 victory

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In a nail-biting finish, the 15-seed Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the 10-seed Stanford Cardinal 64-63 in the opening round of the ACC Tournament. The game came down to the final seconds, with Pittsburgh's Damarco Minor scoring the game-winning layup with 0.6 seconds remaining. However, the ending was further complicated by a clock error that required officials to review the final sequence and ultimately rule the game over in Pittsburgh's favor.

Why it matters

This result is a significant blow to Stanford's hopes of receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, as they were projected to be one of the last teams in before this loss. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's victory keeps their tournament hopes alive as they advance to face NC State in the next round.

The details

Pittsburgh jumped out to an early lead, going up 31-23 at halftime. But Stanford fought back in the second half, taking the lead with 13:29 remaining. The two teams traded baskets down the stretch, setting up a dramatic final sequence. With 26 seconds left, Stanford's Ebuka Okorie converted an and-one to give the Cardinal a 63-62 lead. On the other end, Pittsburgh's Damarco Minor missed a floater, but followed up his own shot for the game-winning layup with 0.6 seconds left. Stanford's final inbound pass was tipped out of bounds, and after review, officials determined the game clock had not started properly, ending the game.

  • Pittsburgh led 31-23 at halftime.
  • Stanford took the lead with 13:29 remaining in the second half.
  • Ebuka Okorie gave Stanford a 63-62 lead with 26 seconds left.
  • Damarco Minor scored the game-winning layup for Pittsburgh with 0.6 seconds remaining.
  • Officials reviewed the final sequence and determined the game clock had not started properly, ending the game.

The players

Damarco Minor

A Pittsburgh guard who scored the game-winning layup with 0.6 seconds remaining.

Ebuka Okorie

A Stanford guard who converted an and-one to give the Cardinal a 63-62 lead late in the game.

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What they’re saying

“GAME WINNER!!!”

— ACC Men's Basketball (Twitter)

What’s next

Pittsburgh will advance to face NC State in the next round of the ACC Tournament on Saturday at noon ET. The game will air live on ESPN2.

The takeaway

This dramatic finish highlights the intensity of the ACC Tournament and the high stakes for teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble. While Pittsburgh's victory keeps their March Madness hopes alive, Stanford's loss likely deals a significant blow to their at-large bid chances.