Jan. 7, 2008

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PITTSBURGH - Kristi Little's double-double of a game-high 18 points and career-high 10 steals led Duquesne to their ninth victory of the season, 78-33, over North Carolina Central Monday night. The Dukes defense set a program record for fewest points allowed, which stood for almost 23 years.

For the second game in row, the Dukes led from wire-to wire. Amanda Peck's layup at 11:12 of the first half capped a 12-0 run to open the Duquesne lead to 21-9. The DU defense remained fierce, as NCCU could only muster a pair of field goal the rest of the half as a Samantha Pollino layup closed the first scoring and gave the Dukes a 36-13 lead going into halftime.

Duquesne remained aggressive in the second half, holding the Eagles to 32 percent from the floor. The DU lead got as high as 46 points on a Keri Pryor's layup with under three minutes remaining.

"We're very pleased with the way we executed. Each and every played made contributions offensively," said head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio. "We're a team that thrives on balance, and we got that tonight. Plus, our posts gave us good minutes tonight."

The Dukes dominated in paint for the second straight contest, outscoring the Eagles 36-16. Duquesne also got 31 points off the bench, compared to nine for NCCU. Almost half of DU's points (37) were caused off of turnovers. Duquesne caused a season high 31 turnovers. The Dukes assisted on 20 of 30 field goals, lead by Sam Thompson's career-best seven assists. On the boards, Duquesne almost doubled-up NCCU, outrebounding the Eagles 40-21.

"This is a good win going into conference play," added McConnell-Serio, whose squad will host Charlotte Saturday night at 7:00 p.m.

Game Notes
• Little came within one steal of tying Duquesne's school record of 11 steals held by Korie Hlede in 1995.
• The Dukes defense allowed 34 points to Clarion 1/10/85
• Little's 10 steals is ties her for second most in Atlantic 10 history with six others, including McConnell-Serio who accomplished the feat three times.
• The last time Duquesne defeated an opponent by 40 or more points was Nov. 25, 2006, 96-49 over Youngstown State at the Hilton Riverside Classic.
• 12 steals for DU tied the season high
• This the third time this season Duquesne has shot 50 percent from 3-point range (Binghamton and Princeton)
• Lauren Reinshuttle tied her career-high with seven points and had a personal-best with five rebounds