Turn Back the Clock: Walker Leads Pitt to First-Ever NCAA Tournament Win (3/18/07)
7/15/2025 11:27:00 AM | Women's Basketball
On March 18, 2007, Marcedes Walker led Pitt to its first-ever NCAA Tournament win – downing James Madison, 71-61, at the Petersen Events Center.
Walker, a native of Philadelphia, recorded 20 points and 15 rebounds, while shooting 8-of-10 from the field and 4-of-4 from the charity stripe.
"I had to play my game, and I think I did that," said Walker after her performance. "I had a big challenge. I knew I had to play defense and contribute on offense, and I think I stepped up to the challenge."
The two teams battled early, before Pitt began pulling away midway through the second half as Walker took over inside. With Pitt leading 44-42, Walker scored from in close and on a putback, and Shavonte Zellous made 4-of-6 free throws to put the Panthers up 52-44.
Pitt held on down the stretch and went on to secure the 71-61 victory.
Walker's Pitt Career Accolades
- WBCA All-American - District 1 (2007, 2008)
- All-Big East First Team (2006, 2007)
- All-Big East Second Team (2008)
- All-Big East Honorable Mention (2005)
- All-Big East Freshman Team (2005)
- First on the all-time rebounding list (1,162)
- Sixth on the all-time scoring list (1,870)
- AP All-American Honorable Mention (2007, 2008)
The Panthers eventually fell to top-seeded Tennessee in the round of 32, ending the 2006-07 campaign with a 25-9 ledger – including a 12-2 mark at the Petersen Events Center.