Pitt
2-0,0-0ACC
Bucknell
0-2,0-0Patriot
Panthers Down Bucknell, 64-61, to Remain Perfect
11/9/2024 5:09:00 PM | Women's Basketball
PITTSBURGH – Sparked by 19 points from junior guard Amiya Jenkins, the Pitt women's basketball team knocked off in-state foe Bucknell, 64-61, Saturday evening at the Petersen Events Center.
The Panthers (2-0, 0-0 ACC) were led by Jenkins, sophomore guard Aaryn Battle and redshirt sophomore guard Mikayla Johnson as the trio combined for 43 of Pitt's 64 points. Jenkins, Battle and Johnson combined to shoot a stellar 7-of-12 from three-point range. As a team, Pitt shot 8-of-15 (53 percent) from beyond the arc – the Panthers' best percentage since Dec. 10, 2020.
Individually, Jenkins logged 19 points on 8-of-19 shooting, bringing her just one point shy of tying her career high of 20. Additionally, the Lexington, Ky., native snagged six boards, while registering a +10 plus/minus – good for second amongst all players Saturday.
Johnson, a product of Anchorage, Ala., broke her previous career high of six in the first quarter, before finishing the contest with 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the floor.
Defensively, the Panthers forced 19 turnovers, bringing their season total to 54 through only two games. Junior guard Marley Washenitz recorded four steals individually as her nine total steals this season leads the ACC.
The Panthers and Bison (0-2, 0-0 Patriot League) exchanged baskets over the first 10 minutes of action as neither side could pull away.
After facing a 26-21 deficit at the 8:20 mark of the second period, Pitt went on a blistering 13-2 run behind field goals from Jenkins, Battle and Johnson to take a 34-28 lead. More back-and-forth action ensued, before Battle closed the second quarter with a half court heave, giving the Panthers a nine point advantage (44-35) entering the intermission.
Pitt then opened the second half on an 8-0 run to take a 52-35 lead with four minutes remaining in the third period. The Bison cut into the gap, outscoring the Panthers 11-2, to close the frame and trailed by just eight (54-46) entering the fourth quarter.
A small 5-0 Bison spurt to open the final period made it a one possession game at the 8:47 mark, but a 10-0 run from Pitt gave the Panthers a commanding 13 point advantage with just over three minutes left. Of note, Jenkins scored five of Pitt's 10 points during the run.
Despite facing a double-digit deficit down the stretch, Bucknell refused to go away, closing the game on a 10-0 run of its own to make it a 64-61 game with 17 seconds left.
After a pair of missed free throws from Pitt, the Bison took their final timeout, trailing by just three with eight seconds remaining. On the final possession of the contest, Reese Zemitis of Bucknell had a good look from the corner, but Jenkins closed out strong, resulting in a miss as Pitt held on, 64-61.
Season Tickets on Sale Now
Season tickets for the 2024-25 Pitt women's basketball season are on sale now through the Panthers Ticket Office. Season tickets can be purchased for $75 each. The Panthers' schedule promises another exciting campaign in the ACC, which boasts multiple nationally ranked foes.
Secure your new 2024-25 season tickets HERE. Season ticket holders from last season who want to renew their season tickets can log onto their account online and renew HERE. All seating in the Petersen Events Center will be General Admission, excluding VIP Courtside.
Up Next
The Panthers travel to face West Virginia on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Tipoff is slated for 7 pm, and the game can be streamed via ESPN+.
