HARTFORD, Conn. – Marcedes Walker scored 20 points and Xenia Stewart 18 as Pitt rolled to a 69-63 victory over Villanova this afternoon in the first round of the Big East women’s basketball tournament at the XL Center.
The Panthers (21-9) advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will play fourth-seeded Notre Dame (23-7) at noon Sunday.
Walker was 10 of 15 from the field, scoring 12 points in the second half, and led Pitt with seven rebounds. Stewart made 7 of 15 shots, including a 3-pointer, and 3 of 6 free throws. Pitt did not commit a turnover in the first half and finished with a season-low five.
Lisa Kurz led the Wildcats (15-15) with a game-high 23 points, while Stacie Witman and Lisa Karcic scored 10 each.
