Women’s basketball at Robert Morris for first away game

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The Central Michigan women’s basketball team plays the first two games of a five-game road trip this weekend when it takes on Robert Morris Friday and Pittsburgh Sunday.

The road trip, which includes two games in Alaska as well, gives the Chippewas a chance to get to know each other better.

“We’re excited to play some basketball,” said sophomore guard Niki DiGuilio. “At the same time we’re excited to mingle with each other since the freshmen are traveling with us for the first time. We’re looking to have some fun together and become closer.”

CMU lost its season-opening game to Northwestern 69-60 on Nov. 11. Two freshmen, Crystal Bradford and Jessica Green, led the Chippewas in scoring with 14 and 13 points respectively. CMU looks to cut down on turnovers during the road trip. It had 26 against Northwestern.

“The goal is to get first-year players experience,” said head coach Sue Guevara. “You have to be ready to play every opponent that comes on the floor with you, regardless if it’s big Division I like Pitt or little Division I like RMU.”

RMU has four upperclassmen in its starting lineup. It has started its season with home wins over Coppin State 62-47 and against fellow Mid-American Conference member Kent State 78-44.

The Colonials have four players averaging double-digit scoring after two games, led by junior guard April Williams and senior forward Mary Durojaye at 13.5 points per game. Sophomore forward Artemis Spanou leads RMU with 9.5 rebounds per game.

“Robert Morris is going to be a good test for us,” Guevara said. “Spanou is a lot like Hackney from Northwestern in that she’s 6’2” and she can shoot the three. The kids on the perimeter are junior college transfers. They’re experienced and can shoot the three as well.”

Pittsburgh

The Chippewas make a short trip east to Pittsburgh where they face the Panthers after playing the Colonials.

Pittsburgh lost its opener to Hampton 60-37 before defeating St. Francis 78-50.

The Panthers beat CMU 94-78 last season in Mount Pleasant, and will return with redshirt sophomore guard Ashlee Anderson, who scored double-digit points against the Chippewas.

She leads the Panthers in scoring with 14.5 PPG. Freshman guard Brianna Kiesel is the only other player reaching double figures with 12.5 PPG. Pittsburgh has no seniors or juniors on its roster.

“Pittsburgh is a young team,” Guevara said. “I know there is a lot of teaching going on for both sides. We might be two of the youngest teams in the country.”