Ta'Shia Phillips scored 25 points yesterday, and No. 22 Xavier used its front line to full advantage while pulling away to a 79-49 victory against Robert Morris in the opening round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament in Cincinnati.

Phillips scored 18 in the first half, when Xavier (1-0) opened a double-digit lead.

The 6-foot-6 center made 8 of 11 from the field in the half and 11 of 15 overall.

Robert Morris (0-1), which was picked to win the Northeast Conference, was led by Monet Jackson's 19 points.

The Colonials shot just 27.6 percent (16 of 58) from the field

"Playing the No. 22 team in the nation -- on their home court, especially -- you have to play hard for 40 minutes," Robert Morris coach Sal Buscagllia said.

"The combination of not playing hard and having no answer for their inside game, along with poor foul shooting and overall shooting hurt us."

Xavier opened the season in the rankings for the first time in school history. Junior guard Amber Harris, who set a school record for rebounds last season, will be out until February because of knee injury.