No. 19 Panthers try to avoid losing streak

After accumulating its first Big East loss, the Pitt’s women’s basketball team looks to turn… After accumulating its first Big East loss, the Pitt’s women’s basketball team looks to turn things around tomorrow afternoon against DePaul. While the Panthers would like to rebound after a tough 77-69 loss to unranked Providence Wednesday, the Blue Demons (12-4, 0-2 Big East) are in the hunt for their first Big East victory, in addition to breaking a two-game losing streak. When the teams met last year, unranked Pitt dealt No. 15 DePaul a convincing upset in the 97-68 win. This year, the tables are turned, as No. 19 Pitt (11-3, 1-1) seeks a win at home. One constant factor in the matchup between the two teams is senior guard Shavonte Zellous. Averaging 23.1 points per game, Zellous is fourth in the nation in scoring. The past two years, Zellous scored a combined total of 56 points against DePaul, and with her outstanding performances this year, tomorrow could be no different. DePaul began the season successfully, winning 12 of its first 14 games. The conference schedule hasn’t been as kind, with its first two Big East games against ranked opponents. A tough Big East opener at Louisville initiated the losing streak, as the Blue Demons fell, 78-60. The second conference loss came Tuesday night against Notre Dame, when the Irish defeated DePaul in Chicago, 86-62. The determining factor in the game will be Pitt’s ability to maintain momentum by scoring steadily throughout both halves. Pitt’s downfall against Providence was its failure to capitalize on leads, allowing the Friars to come back and regain control. Defensively, the Panthers need to stop senior forward Natasha Williams. Williams ranks second in the Big East and third in the nation in field-goal percentage at 64.2. She could be matched up against Pitt forwards Sophronia Sallard, Xenia Stewart or even centers Pepper Wilson and Kate Popovec. Deirdre Naughton is another offensive threat for the Blue Demons. The 5-foot-10 junior guard averages 17.2 points and 5.0 assists per game. She showed her value and importance in DePaul’s offense in the defeat against Notre Dame, dishing off seven assists while being held scoreless for the first time in her career. In the past, Pitt found success against DePaul by slowing the game down and applying full-court pressure. A similar game plan could force the Blue Demons into turnovers and bad shots, but the Panthers must finish stronger on the offensive end than they did against Providence. The Panthers whiffed in coach Agnus Berenato’s first attempt at her 101st victory with the program. Berenato is 100-69 through five and a half seasons. Meanwhile, DePaul holds a veteran coach of its own. This year is Doug Bruno’s 23rd heading the Blue Demons, with a 426-246 career record, all at his current school. The game will be televised on the Big East Network.