INDIANA, Pa. – The No. 4 nationally ranked IUP women's basketball team turned in a dominant performance Monday morning, defeating Pitt-Greensburg, 103-26, in an exhibition contest at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex.
The Crimson Hawks controlled the contest from the opening tip, using a relentless defensive effort and efficient shooting performance to secure a 77-point victory over the Bobcats.
IUP placed five players in double figures, led by Malia Siriwardene, who scored a game-high 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Lihi Shacham added 15 points, five assists and four steals, while returning All-PSAC guard Teresa Maggio scored 14 points in just nine minutes, connecting on four of five attempts from beyond the arc.
Molly Keane contributed 13 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Leah Skweres added 11 points and a game-high six steals.
The Crimson Hawks wasted little time establishing control, scoring the game's first 11 points behind a pair of 3-pointers from Maggio and another from Marin Miller. IUP carried a 32-6 advantage into the second quarter after shooting 68.4% from the field in the opening 10 minutes.
IUP continued its offensive production in the second quarter, outscoring Pitt-Greensburg 31-5 to take a commanding 63-11 lead into halftime. The Crimson Hawks shot 59.1% in the period while forcing turnovers that led to several transition opportunities.
The Crimson Hawks held the Bobcats to just four points in the third quarter, extending their lead to 79-15 entering the final 10 minutes. IUP closed the contest with 24 fourth-quarter points, including six 3-pointers, to reach the century mark.
IUP finished the afternoon shooting 61.2% from the field, connecting on 41 of 67 attempts. The Crimson Hawks were equally effective from beyond the arc, making 15 of 31 3-pointers for a 48.4% shooting percentage.
Defensively, IUP forced 38 Pitt-Greensburg turnovers and converted those opportunities into 48 points. The Crimson Hawks also recorded 23 steals, held the Bobcats to 25% shooting and finished with a 48-10 advantage in points in the paint.
IUP's depth was on full display, with the Crimson Hawks receiving 62 points from their bench. All 10 players who appeared in the contest scored, while the team finished with 29 assists on 41 made field goals.
Rhyan Mitchell led IUP's defensive effort with five steals while adding seven assists and six rebounds. Madison Zavasky pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and contributed six points, while Belle Bosch finished with nine points.
Pitt-Greensburg was led by Tiana Moracco and Jocelyn Bielak, who scored 12 points apiece. The Bobcats were limited to eight made field goals and finished with just four assists.
The exhibition provided an opportunity for the Crimson Hawks to showcase their depth ahead of the 2026-27 regular season following a historic campaign that saw IUP capture the PSAC and Atlantic Region championships before advancing to the NCAA Division II national championship game.
IUP officially opens its regular season Saturday, Nov. 14, when it hosts Point Park at 2 p.m. in the Crimson Hawk Classic at the KCAC. The Crimson Hawks will conclude the weekend Sunday, Nov. 15, against Davis & Elkins at 3 p.m.
