PITTSBURGH -- Point Park University steadily built its lead enroute to a 78-57 win over visiting Midway (Ky.) University on Thursday night at CCAC-Allegheny. The River States Conference men's basketball victory started off 2023 for the Pioneers, who improved to 12-4 overall, 4-2 RSC.

It was balanced effort among the starting five for Point Park, which put four starters in double figures and had a big presence by 7-1 center Jags Jhawar as well.

Sherron Schifino totaled 19 points to lead the way. Cyrie Coates and Jalen Stamps added 17 points apiece. Jo Valrie was in with 15 points and 13 rebounds as he, Coates and Stamps combined for seven 3-pointers. And the big performance by Jhawar included 10 rebounds, eight points, a couple of blocks, two assists and multiple dunks.

Rebounding and defense also factored in with the Pioneers winning the glass, 45-33, and holding Midway to 35-percent shooting overall and 3 for 12 from long range. The Pioneers had nearly as many offensive rebounds (16) as the Eagles did defensive boards (17).

The defense was there from the beginning with Point Park not allowing Midway to score out of the halfcourt set the first seven minutes. Point Park ran out to a 16-2 lead with Midway's only points coming off a baseline inbounds play.

Point Park had its second 15-point lead of the game when it was ahead, 24-9, at the 9:40 mark. Then Midway made its run -- a 12-0 spurt in the latter part of the opening stanza. That reduced the lead to 24-21.

But the Pioneers re-entered their starters and closed the half on a run of their own to regain a double-digit lead of 38-28 at the break. Overall, it was a strong first half for the Pioneers with a 27-12 edge on the boards. The Pioneers made 6 of 13 3-pointers to get a big boost there as well.

The second half was more of the same with the Pioneers outscoring Midway, 40-29, the final 20 minutes. Point Park pushed the lead to 59-41 on Valrie's jumper with 10:00 left. The Pioneers were still up by that many at 67-49 at the under-6:00 media timeout of the second half.

Point Park had all five of its starters play over 34 minutes. It was with 1:09 left that they came out with a lead of 76-55.

The final defensive output of 57 points allowed was the third time in six RSC games that the Pioneers held their opponent under 60 points. Point Park has given up 62 points or less in five of the six conference contests.

Donnie Miller scored 17 points for Midway to get just under his average. He was 7 for 21 from the field. Miller was the only Midway player in double digits on the night.

Point Park remains in action Friday night for another RSC matchup with IU Southeast. Tipoff is 7:00 p.m. at CCAC-Allegheny.