SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Senior forward Lexi Griggs had team-highs of 18 points and eight rebounds and was one of several stars for the eight-ranked IUP women's basketball team as the Crimson Hawks easily defeated Slippery Rock 81-39 at the Morrow Field House.
 
The Crimson Hawks improved to 13-1 overall with their 11th straight victory. They also remained undefeated in conference play at 8-0 and still haven't lost on the road (6-0).
 
IUP posted big point totals in the opening half, scoring 24 points in the first quarter and 22 in the second. The Crimson Hawks didn't take long to take control of the game, closing the first quarter on a 14-0 run while keeping SRU scoreless for more than six straight minutes.
 
IUP hit three 3-pointers in the opening 10 minutes, including two from senior guard Natalie Myers. In all, the Crimson Hawks finished the night with 11 treys.
 
A 3-pointer by Courtney Alexander four minutes into the second quarter gave the Crimson Hawks a 21-point lead at 33-12. It was part of a 13-1 run in the frame that eventually put IUP on top 41-13. Alexander drained three 3-pointers in the quarter, helping the Hawks take a 30-point lead into the break.
 
It was smooth sailing the rest of the way for the Crimson Hawks, who led by 36 points in the third quarter and outscored SRU 18-9 in the fourth.
 
This was the Crimson Hawks third game of the year with double-digit 3-pointers and they dished out 19 assists – their most since the opener – on their 29 made buckets. IUP also grabbed a season-high 54 rebounds and owned a +21 margin on the glass.
 
Who stood out
Griggs' 18 points was the most by any player on the court and tied her season-high. The conference's leader in field goal percentage shot 8-of-14 with a 3-pointer and made her only free throw attempt. She also had three assists, three steals and two blocks in 29 minutes.
 
Alexander finished the night with five 3-pointers and had 15 points in 21 minutes off the bench. Myers also scored 15 points, going 5-of-8 from the field including 3-of-4 from 3-point range.
 
Notes
The Crimson Hawks entered the game ranked No. 8 in the WBCA Top 25 and No. 15 in the D2SIDA Media Top 25 polls … This was the fourth time this season IUP has held an opponent under 40 points … The Hawks are one of the national leaders at 51.7 points allowed per game.
 
Up next
This was the first of three straight road games for the Crimson Hawks, who head to Erie for a huge matchup against Gannon Saturday night. Just one game separates these two teams in the PSAC West standings – the Golden Knights are 11-3 overall and 7-1 in the league and have a six-game win streak.
 
Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's basketball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_WBB.