Pitt women top New Orleans to deliver first win for coach
Pitt used a 44-8 first-half run to cruise to a 90-38 victory against New Orleans Friday night at Petersen Events Center.
The win gave coach Lance White his first victory at Pitt, and also gave the Panthers (1-1) a 1-0 series lead after their first meeting with the Privateers (1-1).
“My first career win at Pitt,” White said. “I guess this is what happens whenever you win your first game — you get doused with water. It was really cool.
“The kids were excited, and for them, I think it was a great start to what we want to do. I think the first two games have been closer to the way that we have to play, but I was really pleased with their effort.”
Four players scored in double figures for the Panthers, with senior Cassidy Walsh dropping a career-high 21 points. Junior Alayna Gribble added 17 points, followed by senior Danielle Garven with 15 and sophomore Kyla Nelson with 12.
Gribble went 5 of 10 (50.0 percent) from beyond the arc in the matchup, putting her just seven makes away from 100 for her career, while junior Jasmine Whitney collected a team-high five steals, putting her at 102.
For the Privateers, senior Shania Woods led the team with 13 points and eight rebounds, while freshman Traya Bruce ranked second on the team with 10 points.
Up next, the Panthers will continue their homestand as they welcome Youngstown State at 7 p.m. Tuesday to Petersen Events Center.
District men
Penn State 87, North Florida 72: Lamar Stevens scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Penn State to a seasonopening victory against North Florida (0-2). Josh Reaves added 19 points, Myles Dread chipped in 17 and Rasir Bolton notched 13 for the Nittany Lions (1-0), who unveiled their NIT championship banner before the game.
Missouri State 74, Robert Morris 60: Charles Bain scored 25 points, Jon Williams had 11 and Matty McConnell chipped in 6 points, but the Robert Morris Colonials (0-1) fell to host Missouri State (1-0). The Colonials were down, 33-29, at the half but Bears slowly pulled away for the victory.
St. Francis, Pa. 80, Morgan State 62: Jamaal King scored 21 points and Keith Braxton added 19 and collected 13 rebounds as St. Francis (1-1) beat Morgan State (0-2). Braxton surpassed the 1,000point mark for his career for the Red Flash.