PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Panthers turned a dominant third-quarter surge into a lopsided victory, overwhelming the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash 98-46 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Petersen Events Center.

The Panthers, who improved to 7-6, used a 33-point third quarter to break open what had been a methodical first half, turning a 35-13 halftime lead into a 68-33 runaway entering the final period. The Red Flash, still searching for their first win, fell to 0-10.

The game’s most decisive stretch began early in the third quarter. Leading 37-15, Pittsburgh unleashed a 13-2 run over a three-minute span to extinguish any lingering doubt. The sequence was fueled by the Panthers’ defensive pressure and interior presence. It featured a Mikayla Johnson layup off a steal, a Carla Viegas fast-break layup, and capped by a Theresa Hagans layup that pushed the lead to 50-17.

Saint Francis, which managed just 13 points in the entire first half, could not counter Pittsburgh’s size or offensive rhythm. The Panthers’ 6-foot-5 center Fatima Diakhate from Dakar, Senegal, anchored the effort with 13 points and five blocked shots in 29 minutes, altering countless other attempts.

Pittsburgh’s offense showcased balanced scoring, with six players reaching double figures. Lauren Rust of Victoria, Canada, scored 14 points, while Johnson, from Anchorage, Alaska, and Viegas, from Malaga, Spain, each added 14. Hagans contributed 10 points. The Panthers shared the ball effectively, assisting on 22 of their 36 made field goals.

The Red Flash were led by Gemma Walker of Venetia, Pennsylvania, who scored a game-high 15 points. Shelby Ricks of Lakeland, Florida, added 11 points. Saint Francis struggled with Pittsburgh’s length and athleticism, committing 24 turnovers which the Panthers converted into 33 points.

The game began with Pittsburgh establishing control early, closing the first quarter on a 12-2 run to lead 20-6. The Panthers’ defense held Saint Francis to 2-of-16 shooting in the second quarter, extending the margin to 22 points at the break.

With the outcome secured, Pittsburgh’s reserves extended the lead in the fourth quarter, scoring 30 points. Audrey Biggs of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, scored all eight of her points in the final period, and Angela Le Faou added five points late.

The announced attendance was 541.

Saint Francis will look for its first win Sunday at Fordham. Pittsburgh continues its city-series rivalry, visiting Duquesne on Sunday.

Game Notes: Pittsburgh improved to 5-1 at home this season… Saint Francis has lost its games by an average of 21.2 points… The Panthers’ 98 points and 52-point margin of victory are season highs… Pittsburgh’s previous five wins had come by an average of 9.6 points.