Nov. 24, 2001

Box Score

PITTSBURGH-The University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team recorded its first victory of the 2001-02 campaign with a convincing 84-60 win over American University Saturday afternoon at Fitzgerald Field House. The Panthers improved to 1-2 on the year, while the Eagles dropped to 3-1.

Freshman Amy Kunich (Monroeville, Pa./Oakland Catholic) finished with a career-best and game-high 13 assists to lead Pittsburgh. Kunich's 13 assists mark the fourth-best total (tied) in Panther history and the most since Jo Jo Guzman registered 13 against Coppin State on Dec. 29, 1996.

After a close game through much of the first frame, Pittsburgh opened a 19-point lead with 1:53 remaining in the half thanks to five first-half steals by junior Laine Selwyn (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Springs). The Panthers entered the locker room with a 40-26 advantage after shooting 45 percent from the field and holding American to 35 percent shooting.

Pittsburgh came out on fire in the second half as well, building a 21-point lead by the 14-minute mark (56-35). The Eagles snuck back into the game and came to within 10 points, 61-51, but the Panthers responded with 23-9 run to end the game.

For the third straight game, Pittsburgh outrebounded its opponent, grabbing 45 boards to American's 32 caroms. The Panthers outshot the Eagles 49 percent to 31 percent from the field and dished out 24 assists while American totaled only 13 assists.

Junior Mandy Wittenmyer (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) finished with her third double-double effort on the season, draining a game-high 19 points and grabbing 10 boards. Junior Brooke Stewart (North Versailles, Pa./East Allegheny) added a season-best 17 points and Selwyn finished with 13 points, seven steals, five rebounds and five assists.

Pittsburgh is back in action on Tuesday as it travels to area-rival Robert Morris. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Colonials' Charles L. Sewall Center.