PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Pittsburgh Panthers (1-1) closed the first quarter on a 14-0 run and hit 12 three-pointers to defeat the New Orleans Privateers 90-38 (1-1) on Friday afternoon at the Petersen Events Center.
Shania Woods led all Privateers with 13 points and added eight rebounds. Traya Bruce landed in double figures with 10 points while adding a team-high three steals. Kayla Thomas added seven points, five rebounds, and two steals.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Privateers got off to a solid start defensively and edged to a 10-6 lead. Woods had six points in that stretch to lead New Orleans. However, the Panthers delivered the first big run, a 14-0 spurt to end the first quarter. At the end of the first, Pittsburgh held a 20-10 lead.
New Orleans committed 16 turnovers which turned into 34 Panthers points in the first half. The home side also got hot from three-point range, nailing four-of-seven triples in the second quarter. Pittsburgh also shot 58.8 percent in the second quarter.
From then on, Pittsburgh controlled the tempo. The Panthers got 47 points from their bench and had four players in double figures. Cassidy Walsh led all Panthers with 21 points. Alayna Gribble added 17 points. Danielle Garven had 15 and Kyle Nelson contributed 12.
FROM COACH DAVENPORT
"I think early on we were right where we wanted to be but there was a point where we had too many unforced turnovers. Pitt did a great job on capitalizing on all of our turnovers in the first half, but I think we shot ourselves in the foot by losing some opportunities to score."
"We purposely schedule this non-conference slate to help us. We were exposed tonight so this young team sees what we have to work on regarding guarding the three-point line. We know the adjustments we need to make for upcoming games."
UP NEXT
The Privateers will face off against Trinity Baptist back at the Lakefront on Saturday, Nov. 17. Tip is slated for 2 p.m.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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