Pittsburgh, Pa. - Saint Francis women's basketball (3-8) hits the road for its final non-conference matchup on Friday at in-state rival Pittsburgh (7-5). Tipoff at the Petersen Events Center is set for 7 p.m. and the game can be viewed on ACC Network Extra.
Scouting Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 7-5 on the season and has won five of its last six games. The Panthers are fresh off a 60-56 win over UNCW on Tuesday where it came from 13 points behind in the second half to knock off the Seahawks. The only common opponent so far this season between the Panthers and the Red Flash is Youngstown State. Pitt dropped a 64-55 decision to the Penguins on Nov. 13, while YSU also defeated Saint Francis, 80-56, on Dec. 8. Redshirt senior guard Aysia Bugg leads Pittsburgh in scoring with 14.0 ppg, while sophomore center Cara Judkins paces the team in rebounding with 6.5 rpg. Junior guard Jasmine Whitney leads the Panthers in assists with 3.4 apg.
Thomas scores career-high in win over Morehead State
Sophomore guard Haley Thomas (Hooversville, PA/Bishop McCort) had a double-double with a career-high 19 points and ten rebounds on Wednesday in the Red Flash's 89-83 win over the Eagles. Thomas, who has started the last three games for Saint Francis, was 4-of-9 from the floor, including 2-of-4 from behind the three-point arc and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free throw line.
Zezza stepping up for the Red Flash
Senior forward Courtney Zezza (Plum, PA/Plum) has been relied upon heavily for Saint Francis in the paint this season. She's also not afraid to step back and let it fly from behind the arc. Zezza scored 15 points against Morehead State, while adding seven rebounds and five blocks. The Plum, Pa. native will have a homecoming of sorts on Friday playing near her hometown.
Morrow finding her rhythm
Sophomore guard Leah Morrow (Columbus, Ohio/Columbus Africentric) had a breakout performance with 14 points and five rebounds against Morehead State. She shot 3-of-6 from the floor, including 1-of-1 from three-point range and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. Morrow saw 21 minutes of playing time against the Eagles, which was the most action she had seen since playing 23 minutes at Longwood on Dec. 1.
Facing the Panthers
Saint Francis is 3-9 all-time against Pittsburgh with the Panthers winning the last three meetings. The most recent Red Flash victory in the series came on Dec. 1, 2010.
