Women’s bball sets record at 7-0

Less than a month ago, Pitt lost its floor general, senior point guard Mallorie Winn, to a… Less than a month ago, Pitt lost its floor general, senior point guard Mallorie Winn, to a season-ending knee injury.

Seven games later, the Panthers have banded together to get off to the best start in team history.

On Wednesday night, Pitt defeated its host, Akron, 74-55, for its first ever 7-0 record.

The Panthers took the lead less than three minutes into to the first half and never relinquished it, despite being without Marcedes Walker as well.

“This was a great win for us,” head coach Agnus Berenato told pittsburghpanthers.com. “[Walker] has been injured the last few weeks and we wanted to hold her out if we could. To be able win without her, we knew would be tremendous for our team.”

Berenato also mentioned that a number of different Panthers chipped in to support sophomore Shavonte Zellous. The Big East Player of the Week was limited to 14 points – a meager showing compared to her 27- and 31-point performances at the Duck Invitational in Oregon last week.

“Akron did a great job containing Shavonte [Zellous] so everyone else stepped up and had an outstanding performance.”

Surprise starter Danielle Taylor and sophomore guard Xenia Stewart alternated scoring Pitt’s first four baskets before freshman Jania Sims stepped in. Sims, Winn’s replacement, knocked down a 3-pointer and added two layups as the Panthers took an early 18-7 lead.

But the Zips managed to close the gap to just four points as Pitt sent a couple Akron players to the line.

Stewart and freshman guard Ashleigh Braxton connected on back-to-back jumpers, however, to put the Panthers back up by nine.

In the waning seconds of the first half, Sims hit a 10-foot jumper to give Pitt a 37-26 advantage heading into the locker room.

The Panthers came out sizzling hot to open the second half. Shavonte Zellous scored four unanswered points to increase the lead to 41-26.

Following a 3-pointer from Akron’s leading scorer, Niki McCoy, Stewart added a layup and a free throw of her own to put the Panthers up 44-29.

The Zips did manage to cut the lead to 10 about five minutes into the half when Allison Schoff connected on a 3. Taylor immediately countered for the Panthers with a layup off an offensive rebound to put the Panthers back up by 12. The Zips failed to come within 10 points of Pitt for the remainder of the contest.

Less than a minute later, Pitt got its key play sequence of the game. Following a successful free throw from Akron’s Mandy Holzer, Pitt quickly moved the ball downcourt. Taylor was fouled on a successful put back off a missed layup from Sylvie Tafen. She completed the 3-point play, and on the Zips’ next possession, blocked Holzer’s attempted layup.

The Panthers continued to pressure Akron on both sides of the ball for the rest of the game and never allowed the Zips any sustained momentum.

Sims finished with 16 points to lead the Panthers. She also added five assists and two rebounds.

Xenia Stewart finished right behind Sims with 15 points and posted seven boards. Taylor added 12 points, three blocks and a game-high nine rebounds.

The game marked the first time this season that four players scored in double figures for Pitt.

“This was our best effort of the season in terms of discipline. Danielle Taylor was excited when we told her she was getting a start tonight and no better place than her home in Ohio. She gave us big minutes and just missed a double-double,” Berenato said.

The Panthers will return to action tonight against rival Penn State. Fans are encouraged to participate in “Gold Out” by wearing gold or yellow T-shirts to the game. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.