Pitt Set to Host Delaware State on Friday
11/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
GAME NOTES vs. DSU | | WATCH ($)
PITTSBURGH – Returning home to the Petersen Events Center, the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team is set to host Delaware State on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m.
The Panthers (2-0) are seeking their first 3-0 start since the 2009-10 season when they won eight straight to open the year. Delaware State (0-2) looks for its first win of the season after suffering losses to West Virginia and Mount St. Mary's.
WALTERS ERUPTS AT SAINT FRANCIS:
Last time out, freshman forward Kalista Walters had a monster game in Pitt's 74-59 victory at Saint Francis, going for 26 points on 12-of-14 shooting and also grabbed eight rebounds. Walters made her first 10 shots and didn't miss until midway through the third quarter. Walters' 26 point outing is the second most by an ACC player this season (UNC Stephanie Watts had 27 vs. Florida A&M).
BUGG STEADY AT POINT GUARD:
As the team's primary ball handler this season, sophomore Aysia Bugg has been very solid in Pitt's first two games. In the opener she had 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting along with four assists and two rebounds. Against Saint Francis, she added six points, four assists and a career-high five steals. She is shooting the ball very well so far this season, making eight of her 11 shots.
DEFENSE:
Pitt is leading the ACC in field goal percentage defense. The Panthers have held both of their opponents to less than 30 percent shooting from the field and have forced 20 turnovers in each contest.
SCOUTING DELAWARE STATE:
Delaware State is averaging just 37.5 points per game through its first two contests. Mikah Aldridge is coming off an 11 point performance against Mount St. Mary's which was a season-high for the Hornets. NaJai Pollard is the team's leading scorer (6.0) and rebounder (5.0).
UP NEXT:
Friday's game is the final tune-up for the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands next weekend. The Panthers will play South Dakota State, Old Dominion and Maryland while in the Caribbean. SDSU and Maryland were NCAA Tournament teams a year ago, while Maryland has appeared in back-to-back Final Fours.
COVERAGE:
Fans can watch the game through www.PittsburghPanthers.com with a paid subscription, and can listen to the broadcast on WJAS 1320 AM (available on the website and the TuneIn app as well). Updates are also available by following @PittWomensHoops on Twitter and Instagram.
