Walker (Philadelphia, Pa./University City) hit 9-of-17 shots from the field and 5-of-9 free throws. Eight of her 16 boards were on the offensive end while she also added a blocked shot and a steal in 32 minutes.

After the score was knotted at 13-13 midway through the first half, Pittsburgh embarked on a 21-2 spurt over the next eight minutes to grab a 34-15 lead. During the run, freshman Vika Sholokhova (St. Petersburg, Russia/Sacred Heart [N.J.]) scored nine straight points, including a 3-pointer.

The Panthers led 36-22 at the half after shooting 47 percent (14 of 30) from the field.

In the second half, Pittsburgh built the lead up to 20 points on two separate occasions before capturing the 16-point victory over the Friars.

Sholokhova finished with 11 points for the Panthers, while senior Allisha Morris (Hampton, Va./Hampton) added 11 points, six boards and five assists.

Shauna Snyder posted 21 points to lead Providence (1-23, 0-13 Big East).

Pittsburgh hits the road to battle No. 11 Connecticut on Tuesday evening. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion and will be nationally televised by College Sports Television (CSTV) and locally in Storrs, Conn., on Connecticut Public Television (CPTV).

NOTES: Pittsburgh finished with 44 rebounds to the Friars’ 25...the Panthers’ bench outscored Providence’s reserves, 22-3...the win marked Pittsburgh’s first home Big East win of the season...the Panthers’ four conference victories this year doubles last season’s total.