Lady Lions Edge Nebraska 85-74

Story posted February 4, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Kathryn Tague

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Johnasia Cash led the Penn State Lady Lions to their first Big Ten home win with a final score of 85-74 against Nebraska.

The Lady Lions started off strong in the first quarter with full court pressure on the Cornhuskers, earning them a 20-12 lead before Cash went out early in the second quarter with two fouls.

Makenna Marisa made up the loss of Cash, along with forward Anna Camden who eventually also earned two early fouls. Marisa had seven points in the second quarter to maintain Penn State’s momentum.

Nebraska’s Bella Cravens also was out early in the second due to an apparent injury, but later returned to the game. Whitney Brown cut the Lady Lion’s lead to four with her second three of the quarter, but Penn State hung on to their lead with a score of 44-40 headed into halftime.

Cash earned a double-double early in the 3rd quarter before Marisa hit another three making it six threes from five different players for Penn State.

The Nittany Lions were able to extend their lead to 51-42 before Nebraska went on a 10-0 run to cut the lead to 1. After multiple lead changes, Maddie Burke hit another three for Penn State who lead by one entering the final quarter.

An early three from Nebraska put them on top before Cash took over. The Lady Lions dominated the fourth quarter – going on an 11-0 run to see the deal.

Cash not only made her first three of the season to start Penn State’s dominant fourth quarter, but also earned her fourth double-double in a row with 27 points and 19 rebounds.

When asked if she thinks Cash is playing her best, Coach Kieger said, “I think the scariest part is that she’s got a lot more in her… I think you’re just seeing the scratch of the surface of what she can do.”

Cash agreed: “I definitely feel like I’ve got a lot more work to do, and I am definitely not satisfied with my performance.”

Despite being the ninth youngest team, the Nittany Lions were able to do more than just keep their composure down the stretch. Coach Kieger described this last quarter as “probably one of the best quarters we’ve played all year.”

Cash says, “Everyone is bought in. Everyone is locked in.”

The Penn State Lady Lions will look to keep this mentality going as the Wisconsin Badgers come to Happy Valley on Sunday, Feb. 7.

Kathryn Tague is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email kgt5061@psu.edu.