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In rout of Pittsburgh, Filipowski proves himself as the Panthers' foil — and No. 11 Duke men's basketball's X-factor

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In rout of Pittsburgh, Filipowski proves himself as the Panthers' foil — and No. 11 Duke men's basketball's X-factor


The time has arrived: Kyle Filipowski is making his comeback.

By any regular standard, the sophomore center has had a great season. He has averaged more blocks, points and rebounds than any other player on the Duke men’s basketball team all season. But, fair to him or not, expectations for Filipowski on the court are anything but regular. 

He lives under the pressure of ACC Preseason Player of the Year, All-American First Team and the laurels of returning for a sophomore season after dominating his freshman year as arguably the best player on the Blue Devils’ roster. So when the New York native started this season playing less than spectacular, or at least below his lofty standard, he looked to be falling behind.

After Tuesday night’s 75-53 win, however, he looks to be speeding right back up. And if there were a game for him to do so, Pittsburgh makes perfect sense — it’s the opponent against whom he shines brightest.

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But they’re still “a scary opponent,” per head coach Jon Scheyer.

The first time Filipowski faced Pittsburgh in his freshman season, he set his then-career best in points with 28 against the Panthers (it became 29 after he played Virginia Tech). He also tallied 15 rebounds, a block and a steal. It was a night that symbolized the best of the then-freshman phenom, more momentous in that it followed two less-than-stellar performances, including Duke’s 24-point loss to N.C. State.

The second time he saw Pittsburgh came in the Greensboro Coliseum for the quarterfinal round of the ACC Tournament in early March. In that game, Filipowski knocked down 22 points, shooting 4-for-6 from deep and snagging a steal as well.

Basically, he plays really well against the Panthers, and Tuesday night was no exception.

“For Flip to play that way, he’s a difference maker,” Scheyer said. 

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Filipowski’s shooting was outstanding. He went 4-for-4 behind the arc even though he has only made 13 other threes this season, meaning that it took just one game for that number to increase by nearly a third. He went 11-for-12 total in field goals to rack up a total of 26 points, his second-best all season. He snagged 10 rebounds — earning him his fifth double-double of the campaign — and also slammed a block. Filipowski played like the best version of Filipowski, and it made his third matchup against Pittsburgh monotonous to the point some would call boring. The Panthers didn’t stand a chance.

“When he plays that way for our team it totally changes the dynamic of our offense, our defense,” Scheyer said. “I don’t feel there’s really anybody like him in the country when he plays that way.”

A cursory glance at Filipowski’s stat averages this year makes it seem like this kind of performance barely warrants a mention. He averages 17.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, after all. He just hasn’t really looked like Duke’s beloved and dominant “Flip” this season — with some notable exceptions — until Tuesday night. 

“He can run to the block and post early, he can trail and drive, he can trail and shoot threes, he can set screens,” Scheyer said of Filipowski. “He can just do so much.”

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The questions, then, are as follows: Why did it take him so long to get back here, and is this “comeback” set to be a lasting one? If the answer to that first question has anything to do with Scheyer cementing his season lineup, the answer to the second question is probably yes. Just like for any college student, sophomore year promises to be a tricky one for basketball players. It requires learning how to apply the lessons of a freshman season on the court to a new season with new teammates, different opponents and a changed reputation. It was easy for Blue Devil fans to welcome one of the top recruiting classes in the country into Cameron Indoor Stadium, but it was probably difficult for their sophomore teammates, who had only just found their footing at the college level and then had to learn how to adjust. On top of all that, Filipowski bid goodbye to freshman teammate Dereck Lively II, whose departure for the NBA made Filipowski’s position as the big man on the Blue Devil squad even more significant than it had been when he could stand an inch below Lively. Change is hard, even for the projected best basketball player in the ACC. 

As of late, though, Scheyer’s lineup seems to be falling into place. Veterans are in charge, with the exception of freshman Jared McCain, who has seemingly mastered motion with his older teammates in that they all know how to set him up for his frequent and characteristic shots from downtown. Otherwise, it’s Tyrese Proctor at point, Jeremy Roach at shooting guard, Mark Mitchell running forward and Filipowski taking the place at center. Freshman Caleb Foster is starting in place of Proctor while the latter regains complete health after an injury suffered against Georgia Tech earlier this season, but otherwise, minutes are divided quite consistently between the one senior, three sophomores and a freshman sharpshooter.

If Scheyer sticks to all that, his star center should be in good shape for the rest of the season. Filipowski knows how to play with these guys. His earlier inconsistency may look like a weakness, but really, it says something kind of special about a talent that needs his teammates in order to really shine.

Whether that’s the case or whether it’s just a Pittsburgh thing will come out in the wash Saturday night in a rematch against Georgia Tech.


Sophie Levenson
| Sports features editor

Sophie Levenson is a Trinity sophomore and sports features editor of The Chronicle’s 119th volume.





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How Pittsburgh area drivers can save money on gas as prices rise during the war with Iran

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How Pittsburgh area drivers can save money on gas as prices rise during the war with Iran


Until the prices at the gas pump start to come down, we’re all looking for a way to trim our spending on fuel. The good news is that there are a number of ways to do that, and they just might be in your wallet or on your phone right now. 

Whether it’s credit card reward programs or brand loyalty programs, finding a discount at the gas station is easier than you might think. 

Most major gas stations either have loyalty programs or memberships that can save you money. There’s also the option of using AAA to find some savings.   

On your phone, there are several apps and options that can save you money, like GasBuddy or Waze. 

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“The Auto Club app, which is our app, it actually will guide you toward the least expensive fuel in the area near you,” explained Jim Garrity of AAA East Central.

Both AAA and AARP have deals with Shell, where members can get five cents off a gallon. 

Meanwhile, if you’re getting your shopping done at one of the warehouse, wholesale stores such as Sam’s Club, BJ’s, or Costco, part of your membership is a gas discount, which is usually at least 10 cents cheaper. 

Even if you aren’t a member of one of these wholesale stores, many grocery stores have rewards programs that can get you a discount at gas stations. 

Garrity said there are also things you can do behind the wheel that can save you money on gas, starting with slowing down. 

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“Essentially, for every five miles over 50 miles an hour you’re driving, we found that you’re decreasing your fuel economy exponentially,” he explained. 

He also said that drivers should avoid jack rabbit starts – basically pushing down on the gas pedal instead of easing off the brake and putting slight pressure on the gas pedal. Drivers also should make sure that they’re keeping up with regular maintenance. 

“They save up pennies that over time really add up,” he said. 

Obviously, changing your driving habits is hard, especially because you don’t see immediate results, and that can lead to frustration. 

Using those memberships, rewards programs, and discount resources, that’s real money and more immediate. 

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Steelers Add Year to Cam Heyward’s Contract, Creating Cap Space

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Steelers Add Year to Cam Heyward’s Contract, Creating Cap Space


The Pittsburgh Steelers finally have some clarity on Cameron Heyward’s short-term future with the team.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, the Steelers have added an extra year to Heyward’s deal. As a result, they freed up right around $5.5 million in cap space.

Heyward’s contract is now worth $32.25 million across two seasons, though only the first of those two years is guaranteed.

The reigning second-team All-Pro previously had one year left on his contract, which carried a cap hit of $19.150 million.

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Heyward’s deal was a source of contention during training camp last summer, as the 15-year veteran looked to negotiate his contract after previously having agreed to a two-year, $29 million extension leading into the 2024 campaign.

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Nov 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images | Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The 36-year-old, who was a first-team All-Pro that year, later compromised with Pittsburgh after it added a little over $3 million in incentives to his contract before Week 1 of the 2025 season.

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Over 17 games, Heyward recorded a total of 3.5 sacks and 78 tackles with a forced fumble.

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With it appearing set in stone that he’ll return for the 2026 season after agreeing to his modified deal, the question now becomes whether or not Heyward will play out the duration of his contract through 2027.

What Could Steelers Do with Extra Money?

Pittsburgh was rather active both shortly before and immediately after the legal tampering period began, re-signing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and linebacker Cole Holcomb while also signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner Jamel Dean and acquiring wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. via trade from the Indianapolis Colts, whom it immediately inked to a three-year, $59 million extension.

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It’s been a bit quiet for the Steelers since that initial wave, however, with punter Cameron Johnston representing their only move on the second day of free agency.

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There’s still plenty of names out there on the open market, and with needs remaining along the offensive line, at safety and receiver even after adding Pittman Jr., the action shouldn’t stop for Pittsburgh.

While quarterback remains the most substantial question mark for the Steelers on paper, the widespread assumption remains that Aaron Rodgers will eventually return to the franchise. When that decision will, or could, become official, though, is anyone’s best guess at the moment.

The money Pittsburgh saved by revising Heyward’s contract could help fill out its roster not only through free agency, but also via the 2026 NFL Draft now that it has 12 picks at its disposal upon being awarded four compensatory selections.

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Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Carolina Hurricanes 3/10/2026

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Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Carolina Hurricanes 3/10/2026


Who: Pittsburgh Penguins (31-17-14, 76 points, 3rd place Metropolitan Division) @ Carolina Hurricanes (35-22-5, 75 points, 5th place Atlantic Division)

How to Watch: Local broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network South and SportsNet Pittsburgh, streaming on ESPN+

Pens’ Path Ahead: The Penguins are heading out West later this week to play some late-night games against the Vegas Golden Knights (Thursday, 10 p.m. ET), Utah Mammoth (Saturday, 9 p.m. ET) and Colorado Avalanche (Monday, 9:30 p.m. ET). Then it’s back for a rematch with the Hurricanes in North Carolina next Wednesday.

Opponent Track: The Hurricanes are still on top of the Metro, and they’ve won seven of their last nine, but they’re coming off a loss in Calgary that featured a wild five-goal third period last Saturday.

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Season Series: The Penguins won this last matchup 5-1 on Dec. 30. Next up is that road game next Wednesday, followed four days later by a 3 p.m. ET Sunday matinee in Pittsburgh.

Hidden Stat: The Penguins haven’t won in Carolina since March 2019. The visitors are 0-4-4 in eight matchups over that span.

Getting to know the Hurricanes

Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis

Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake

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Nikolaj Ehlers – Jordan Staal – Jordan Martinook

William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Eric Robinson

Jaccob Slavin – Jalen Chatfield

K’Andre Miller – Sean Walker

Mike Reilly – Alexander Nikishin

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Goalies: Brandon Bussi, Frederik Andersen

Potential scratches: Shayne Gostisbehere (day to day)

Injured Reserve: Charles-Alexis Legault, Pyotr Kochetkov, Nicolas Deslauriers

  • Gostisbehere missed the Hurricanes’ Saturday loss to the Flames with a lower-body injury. Mike Reilly will likely slide out of this lineup if he is able to go.
  • Nicolas Deslauriers has yet to make his Hurricanes debut since his trade from the Philadelphia Flyers. If the Canes decide to slot him into the lineup Monday night, he would slot into their fourth line.
  • The Hurricanes have historically been a tough matchup for the Pens, but the Penguins could take some lessons from the Flames. Calgary got beaten on face-offs (52.5 percent to 47.5 percent) and 5-on-5 scoring chances (24 to 21) while holding strong on hits (26-20) and getting some nice saves from Dustin Wolf to claim a 5-4 win over the Canes on Saturday.

Egor Chinakhov – Rickard Rakell – Bryan Rust

Anthony Mantha – Tommy Novak – Ville Koivunen

Elmer Soderblom – Ben Kindel – Avery Hayes

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Connor Dewar – Blake Lizotte – Noel Acciari

Parker Wotherspoon / Erik Karlsson

Sam Girard / Ilya Solovyov

Goalies: Arturs Silovs, Stuart Skinner

Potential Scratches: Evgeni Malkin (suspended), Ryan Graves, Connor Clifton, Kevin Hayes, Justin Brazeau (day to day)

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IR: Sidney Crosby, Filip Hallander

  • Jack St. Ivany is off IR. He’s headed to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a conditioning loan, per Seth Rorabaugh.
  • Justin Breazeau’s status is uncertain after he was sidelined against the Bruins on Sunday with a day-to-day upper-body injury.
  • Today should also lead to more information on whether Sidney Crosby is joining the team for the upcoming five-game road trip. Dane Muse said Sunday that decision would be made after the matchup against the Boston Bruins.
  • Evgeni Malkin is set to miss the third game of his five-game suspension tonight. He won’t be eligible to return until the Penguins rematch against the Hurricanes next week.
  • It’s a milestone game for Kyle Dubas, who has served as general manager for 600 career games, per Pens PR. A win tonight would tie him with Steve Yzerman for the 14th-most wins through that milestone with 326 victories.



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