PITTSBURGH – Unable to overcome a 26-point deficit, the American University women's basketball team fell to Pittsburgh, 76-58, in its non-conference finale on Tuesday afternoon.

Sophomore Maria Liddane scored a career-high 12 points to lead the Eagles, shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, while junior Lauren Crisler added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Freshman Elina Koskimies also had a strong performance for American, finishing with a personal-best eight points and a team-leading three assists.

Three players scored in double figures for Pitt, led by Stasha Carey with 13 points.

The Panthers (8-4) shot over 51 percent in the opening half, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc, and used a 15-0 run late in the second period to extend their lead to 45-19 with 1:20 on the clock. After a pair of free throws by Crisler, the Eagles went into the locker room with a 45-21 deficit.

After playing evenly in the third period, the Eagles (2-9) gained ground in the fourth quarter, shooting over 64 percent and outscoring Pitt 24-18. Unfortunately, it was not enough to get past its early deficit against the Panthers.

After a short break for the holidays, the Eagles open their Patriot League slate on Wednesday, Dec. 30, when they visit Loyola Maryland in a 4:30 p.m. contest.