Lady Lions Bounce Back, Defeat Ohio State

Story posted January 17, 2014 in CommRadio, Sports by Josiah Bates

Senior guard Maggie Lucas scored 18 to lead the #16 Lady Lions (12-4, 3-1) to a 66–42 win over Ohio State (12-8, 2-2) Thursday night at the Bryce Jordan Center. Behind Lucas’ effort, Penn State was able to rebound from an 84-74 loss in their last matchup to #22 Purdue.

The Lady Lions played great defense throughout the night, as they held the Buckeyes to under 30% field goal shooting, 20% shooting from the three point line, as well as finishing with 14 steals.

“I thought we communicated really well in the zone,” said Lucas. “I thought our post was just a dominating presence, they were big and they just made it tough.”

The first half started tight for both teams. The score was knotted at 10-10 with 13:59 to go in the frame. Penn State was able to go on an 11-0 courtesy of a barrage of steals from backcourt mates Lucas and senior guard Dara Taylor.

“I can speak for up top, me and Dara, I thought we contained the ball,” Lucas said. “I thought all the guards did a good job of containing the ball.”

Ohio State however fought their way back into it. With less than five minutes to go in the half, the Buckeyes cut the lead to 25-20. Refusing to be rattled, Penn State scored twice to take a 29-21 lead at the half.

Despite a two minute scoring drought for both teams early in the second half, the Lady Lions still started on a 9-0 run. The Buckeyes continued to struggle in the second half shooting just 27%.

“Penn State did a good job. They were good defensively,” Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff said. “Certainly give them credit.”

The Lions also defended Ameryst Alston very well holding her to just 12 points and 4-17 from the field.

The Lady Lions continued to coast in the second half extending their lead 18 with 5:57 left. The dominating performance gave Penn State head coach Coquese Washington a chance to give some freshmen a chance to play.

“I thought they gave us big production off the bench,” Coach Washington said. “When you can get that kind of production off the bench, it bodes well for you.”

Freshman guard Kaliyah Mitchell scored seven points off the bench, and freshman guard Jenny DeGraaf tallied five points.

Lucas ended with 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Senior forward Ariel Edwards chipped in with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Dara Taylor played great defense with six steals.

The Buckeyes were led by their sophomore guard Alton, who scored 12 points with four assists. Senior center Ashely Adams chipped in eight points with 10 rebounds.

Next up, the Lady Lions will travel to East Lansing, to take on Michigan State on Sunday, at 5 p.m.

Josiah Bates is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jnb5278@psu.edu.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Centre Daily Times, Abby Drey)