| Freshman Mashea Williams has been a spark for Penn State off the bench, as of late. The Lady Lions will look for more of the same from Williams as they clash with Purdue in West Lafayette on Thursday. The game is slated to start at 7 p.m. and can be heard on the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com. |
Penn State game notes
Big Ten notes
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. January 18, 2006 - Penn State (7-9, 1-4) will look to earn its first conference road win at its biggest rival on Thursday when the Lady Lions clash at No. 11/11 Purdue (13-2, 5-0). The game is slated to tip off at 7 p.m.
Fans can listen to the game on the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com where a link to the audio and the GameTracker feature will be available.
Penn State and Purdue have developed a competitive rivalry since the Lady Lions' entry into the Big Ten. The two programs have played some classic games against each other. The Lady Lions hold a commanding series lead against everyone in the Big Ten with the exception of Purdue, where series records are farily even; Penn State leads 13 games to 9 in Big Ten games, and trails 14 games to 15 overall. Two years ago Penn State rallied from a big halftime deficit in the season finale at home to overtake the Boilers and claim its second straight Big Ten title. That game came after Penn State defeated Purdue in West Lafayette on Jan. 2, 2004, handing the Boilermakers their first loss at home since 2000.
Penn State has three players averaging double-digit scoring figures, led by Amanda Brown (Kennett Square, Pa.) who is netting 15.5 ppg, which also ranks sixth in the Big Ten. She is scoring her points at a good rate, shooting 59 percent from the field, a figure that ranks second in the Big Ten. Brown has also been a force on the defensive end, blocking a team-best 2.1 blocks per game (2nd in the Big Ten). Two other players are averaging double-digit scoring figures, including Kam Gissendanner (Clairton, Pa.), who is putting up 14.9 ppg and Adrienne Squire (Indianapolis, Ind.), who is averaging 12.1 ppg. Brown tops the team in the rebounding category, pulling down 7.4 per game while Squire is second on the team with 4.6 per game. Freshman Brianne O'Rourke (Pittsburgh, Pa.) leads the team and the Big Ten in assists with 5.5 per game. As a team the Lady Lions are shooting 43 percent from the field, 30 percent from the 3-point line and 76 percent from the free throw line. Penn State is netting 66.4 ppg, and giving up 67.5. The Lady Lions do hold a rebounding edge, pulling down 36.2 rpg to their opponents' 34.1
The game will be Rene Portland's 799th contest as a Penn State head coach. During her time heading up the Lady Lions' bench, Portland has built a remarkable resume. She has led Penn State to five Big Ten Championships (seven conference titles overall) and two Big Ten Tournament titles (eight conference tourney titles overall). She has accumulated a 585-213 record at Penn State, won two WBCA National Coach of the Year Awards and guided her team to the 2000 Final Four. Portland was recently honored as the Penn State Renaissance Fund Person of the Year, a prestigious award given to a person who has positively impacted the University and community.
Following Thursday's game at Purdue, the Lady Lions will play their third straight road game with a contest at Northwestern on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. That game will be available on the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com, where a link to the audio and GameTracker features will be available. The Lady Lions return home on Thursday, Jan. 26 to face Iowa at 7 p.m.
Single games tickets for the Lady Lions are still available. Tickets can be purchased at the Bryce Jordan Center ticket windows weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fans can also get tickets by calling 800-863-3336 or 865-5555 locally or visit www.GoPSUsports.com, the official website of Penn State Athletics. Tickets are also available by visiting the Downtown Ticket Center, Eisenhower Auditorium, and at the HUB ticket booth at the information desk. For groups of 10 or more, ticket discounts and preferred seating options are available by calling (814)863-6757.
Fans interested in buying all-session tickets for the NCAA First and Second Round Games at the Bryce Jordan Center on March 18 and 21 should contact the Penn State ticket office at 1-800-863-3336 or 814-865-5555. All-session tickets will gain the bearer entry to all three sessions. Adult all-session tickets for the six-game, two-day event are available for $42. Penn State students, youth under 18 and senior citizens (60 or above) can purchase tickets for only $18. Fans may also purchase tickets by downloading a ticket brochure and returning the adjoining application to the Penn State ticket office at the address provided. The brochure, and additional information on the NCAA Tournament Games at the Bryce Jordan Center are available online at http://www.gopsusports.com/BasketballW/NCAATourney/
Big Ten Tournament tickets are on sale now as well. To get tickets now, Penn State fans can go through the Penn State box office. Fans can also buy all-session tickets through Ticketmaster for $55 at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Conseco Fieldhouse box office, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone numbers (570) 693-4100 in central Pennsylvania) or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.
For group ticket information and a group order form, contact Justin Hirnisey of Indiana Sports Corporation at (317) 237-5026 or justin.hirnisey@indianasportscorp.com.