43
Pitt snaps YSU’s 10-game winning streak
Panthers in control
from start against Barnes’ Penguins
By Steve Wilaj
PITTSBURGH
Youngstown State women’s basketball coach John Barnes knew the Penguins needed a quick start Sunday afternoon at Pittsburgh.
The Panthers didn’t allow it.
Pittsburgh jumped out to an early 17-point advantage and never looked back as it defeated Youngstown State, 78-52, at the Petersen Events Center. The loss is the Penguins’ first of the season.
“The environment, size and athleticism [of Pittsburgh] was a little bit much,” Barnes said. “Our players were more in awe instead of, ‘Hey let’s go win this game.’
“I wanted us to come in with a lot of confidence and attack and we were kind of on our heels from the get-go.”
Keyed by a 13-2 run, Pitt (8-3) jumped out to a 38-21 halftime lead. The run lasted for nearly six minutes, turning a six-point YSU deficit into a 30-13 Panthers lead. The Penguins shot just 21 percent in the first half (7 of 33) and committed six turnovers.
YSU (10-1) cut the deficit to 15 points midway through the second half, but got no closer. The Penguins finished the contest 17 of 66 from the field (25 percent) and committed 15 turnovers.
“I think their length and athleticism and size really bothered our shots,” Barnes said. “We had to work really hard to get an open look and then when we got an open look, we were a little surprised and maybe not quite ready to shoot it.”
Latisha Walker paced YSU with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Heidi Schlegel added 10 points and nine boards. Indiya Benjamin had seven points and five assists.
Yacine Diop’s 12 points and eight rebounds led the Panthers, who shot 42 percent. Chelsea Welch scored 12 points, Brianne Kiesel added 11 points and 10 assists and Cora McManus tallied 12 points off the bench. The win was Pittsburgh’s third straight and extends its home winning streak to seven games.
“This should teach us to be more ready,” Barnes said. “Playing against a team like Pitt once, next time it shouldn’t be that tough for us. So hopefully it’ll just prepare us for the next tough matchup.”
The loss snaps YSU’s first 10-game win streak since 1998. The Penguins will now have eight days off before they host Akron (10-0) at 7 p.m. on Dec. 29 at Beeghly Center.
“Everybody’s ready for a little break to recharge and rest up,” Barnes said. “It’s some time to see their families, so I think everyone’s looking forward to it.”