Alexa Xenakis surveys the defense on her way to 11 points on Tuesday (Sam Robinson Photo).
STATS
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. -- Point Park University women's basketball used a balanced scoring attack and its depth to smash visiting Villa Maria (N.Y.) College, 100-58, in a non-conference game on Tuesday at CCAC South Gym.
The Pioneers (4-1, 0-0 KIAC) won their fourth straight game as Celina DiPietro and Leah Hurst each scored 15 points to lead the way.
Baylee Buleca added 14 points, and Alexa Xenakis and Carly Forse had 11 and 10 points, respectively to give the Pioneers five players in double figures.
What's more, Point Park was just a few baskets away from having nine players reach double figures in scoring. Four players -- Kaitlyn Smith, Angelina Starr, Devon Larkin and Kiana Daley -- all scored eight points on the night.
The Pioneers had a blistering first half in which they shot 58 percent overall, 55 percent from 3-point range (6 for 11) and led, 56-38, after 20 minutes.
Point Park pushed things even further as they outscored Villa Maria (N.Y.), 26-10, in the third quarter. It was the beginning of a tough half for Villa Maria, which shot just 25 percent and made only six field goals the entire second half against the Pioneers' defense.
Point Park had 12 players see action, and 10 of them scored. All 12 who got in grabbed a rebound, and seven had at least one assist.
The Pioneers dominated the rebounding, 54-30. Starr had a game-high eight boards, and Buleca and Larkin had seven apiece.
Point Park racked up 23 assists versus 13 turnovers. Forse led the way with six assists, and Shaniya Rivers and DiPietro had five each. Those three players -- all starters -- combined for 16 assists and five turnovers.
Point Park shot 51 percent for the game, which set a season best. Also registering as season-highs were the 12 made-pointers and the 48-percent shooting from long range.
The Pioneers begin KIAC play at WVU Tech on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Point Park returns home to play Asbury (Ky.) on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Brescia (Ky.) on Saturday at 12 p.m.
Live Video and stats will be provided by host WVU Tech for Wednesday games. The Point Park Sports Network presented by Stretch Internet will return for Nov. 20-21 versus Asbury and Brescia. Subscribe to Watch Live at portal.stretchinternet.com/ppu.
Follow the Pioneers on Twitter @PointParkSports hashtag #PPUHOOPs #PPUWBB and on Facebook.com/PointParkAthletics
