PITTSBURGH - The Purdue women's basketball team picked up its second win in the 10-year history of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday, taking a 67-61 victory at Pittsburgh. Senior Ashley Morrissette continued her outstanding play, pouring in a career-high 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting as the Boilermakers evened their record at 4-4 on the season, while dealing the Panthers their first loss of the year.
The Boilermaker senior captain was ridiculous all night, but none more than in the third quarter where she dropped in 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting, and combined with classmate Bridget Perry for 27 of Purdue's school record 29 third-quarter points. Perry finished just shy of a double-double, putting up eight points and nine rebounds in addition to three assists and a pair of steals. Morrissette added four assists and three steals to her box score, marking the fourth time this season she's had at least three takeaways in a game.
After going back-and-forth through most of the game, Pitt evened the score, 55-55 with 8:19 to play in the fourth. The Boilermakers proceeded to hold the Panthers almost seven minutes without a point and built an eight-point edge, 63-55. Junior Andreona Keys made three huge buckets down the stretch, finishing with 10 points and nine boards.
Senior Brandi Harvey-Carr paced Pitt with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, while Alayna Gribble added 14 and Kalista Walters chipped in 11. The Panthers move to 6-1 on the year with the loss.
The Boilermakers return to action Sunday, hosting Colgate at Mackey Arena at 2 p.m. ET.