ERIE – It isn't often that a basketball team scores 81 points and shoots over 50 percent in the final three quarters, and yet the highlight of the game is its defense.

That's what happened on Sunday afternoon, though, when the Gannon University women's basketball team routed Shepherd 81-29 in a PSAC crossover game at Highmark Events Center.

On the way to the 52-point victory, coach Cleve Wright's Golden Knights went on a 33-0 run during the first half and limited the Rams to 20.4 percent shooting overall from the field.

Shepherd's 29 points represented the lowest point total by a Gannon women's basketball opponent since GU set a program record by allowing just 18 in a 117-18 win over Hilbert on Feb. 10, 1994.

"I'm really pleased with our effort on the defensive end, playing together, pressuring the ball well and moving as a team on the defensive end," Wright said. "We boxed out and gave them one shot and didn't let them get on the offensive boards."

Gannon improved to 9-2 overall and 1-2 in the PSAC while playing the first of two crossover games on back-to-back days. The Knights will host Shippensburg (8-1 overall, 3-0 PSAC) on Monday at 5:30 p.m. in a showdown of two of the conference's fastest-starting teams.

On Sunday, Gannon trailed 4-2 early before putting together a 33-0 run to take a 35-4 lead late in the second quarter. During that 14-minute, 21-second span, the Golden Knights held the Rams scoreless.

"That only happens when you're doing what you're supposed to do on the defensive end," Wright said.

Shepherd did not score a field goal during the final 16:44 of the half as Gannon took a 39-6 lead into intermission. Shepherd's final two points of the half came on free throws.

During the first half, Gannon limited Shepherd to just 8.7 percent shooting (2-of-23). Gannon, meanwhile, shot 55 percent in the second quarter on 11-of-20 shooting as it pulled away.

 

Pirosko turns in another big game

Sam Pirosko again led the Golden Knights. She finished with a game-high 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range.

"When you look at our offense, she's going to be the first thing you have to deal with," Wright said. "She's tough in there. She's tough. She also shares the ball when people double down."

Pirosko turned in that performance one game after reaching the career 1,000-point mark with 24 points in an 87-41 victory over Mansfield on Wednesday. Gannon honored Pirosko with a commemorative 1,000-point ball after Sunday's game.

She leads Gannon with 17.5 points per game while shooting a team-best 54.3 percent from the field. She also leads Gannon with 7.9 rebounds per game.

All-around Gannon effort

In addition to another big effort from Pirosko, Gannon received contributions from all 10 players in uniform.

Madison Demski (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria) had 11 points and eight rebounds, Maddy Wheatley (Canberra, Australia/UCSSC Lake Ginninderra), Boston McKinney (Bolivar, Ohio/Tuscarawas Valley), and Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) each added eight points. Delaney Dogan (West Middlesex, Pa./West Middlesex) had just four points, but she tied Demski with a team-high eight rebounds as Gannon outrebounded Shepherd 58-24.

Emma Wright (Fairview, Pa./Talawanda) was limited to three points, but she added a team-high six assists and grabbed seven rebounds. McKel Nation (Lebanon, Ohio/Springboro) added six points and seven rebounds.

Looking ahead to Monday

The game against Shippensburg on Monday evening could be a measuring stick for where the Golden Knights are as they head into Christmas break. They have won three in a row, but the Raiders are the most talented team they have faced since opening the PSAC with close road losses to Kutztown and West Chester.

Included among that talent is 5-foot-7 senior guard Ariel Jones, who is averaging 24 points per game. 

Jones scored a school-record 48 points -- and tied a PSAC record -- on Sunday in Shippensburg's 85-71 win at Mercyhurst. 

"It's a big game against Shippensburg," Cleve Wright said. "They're a very good team, a talented team. They've had a great start to their season. We'll need to be ready. It'll be a battle."