McLaughlin scores 21 in 96-35 win over Alcorn State

Box Score (PDF)

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University women's basketball team kicked off the 2021-22 campaign with a 96-35 win over Alcorn State on Tuesday evening at the Al McGuire Center.

Graduate transfer Karissa McLaughlin led the Golden Eagles (1-0) with 21 points in 23 minutes, while Lauren Van Kleunen added 17 and Kennedi Myles had 14 points.

"This was a great win by our team," said third-year Marquette head coach Megan Duffy. "I thought we had so many people contribute tonight. It was great to be back in the Al with our friends and family, it was just a great atmosphere to get the season going."

Marquette shot 55.4% from the floor (36-of-65) in the victory, including a scorching 69.7% in the second half. MU also outscored the Braves, 50-6, in the paint and held a 52-19 rebounding edge.

Kailyn Watkins led Alcorn State (0-1) with nine points.

Marquette has won its last four season openers and is 29-18 all-time.
MU's point total is its highest since a 95-57 win at Seton Hall on Feb. 17, 2019.
The Golden Eagles scored their most points in a season opener since a 108-64 win over Stetson on Nov. 22, 1991.
Jordan King tied a career high with eight assists.
Forward Liza Karlen made her first career start alongside four players with a combined 263 career starts in King, Van Kluenen, Chloe Marotta and McLaughlin. Those other four starters have each started an average of 66 games in their careers.
Karlen tied a career high with nine rebounds.
McLaughlin knocked down her first 3-pointer in a Marquette uniform at the 8:09 mark of the opening quarter. She is Purdue's all-time leader in triples with 244 in her four-year career in West Lafayette.
Marquette mounted an 18-0 run in the opening quarter while holding the Braves scoreless for over eight minutes. After a Diamond Hall 3-pointer put ASU ahead 3-2 with 9:13 on the clock, MU held the Braves off the scoreboard until a Zn'Nyia White triple at the 1:05 mark, by which time Marquette had amassed a 20-8 lead.
Alcorn State did not score a 2-point field goal until the 8:24 mark of the second quarter. ASU missed its first 12 shots from inside the arc.
Marquette freshman Makiyah Williams made her NCAA debut at the 9:15 mark of the second quarter.
MU is 2-0 all-time against ASU. The only other meeting was a 93-54 win on Nov. 15, 2010.
All 10 Marquette players to see action scored and grabbed at least two rebounds.
MU is 2-0 in season openers under head coach Megan Duffy and 35-1 when leading at the half.

UP NEXT: Marquette continues action on Friday in a 6 p.m. matchup with NJIT at the Al McGuire Center.

Keep up with the Marquette women's basketball program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWBB) and Instagram (@marquettewbb) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWBB).