Penn State game notes
| The Lady Lions have a big game Sunday vs. No. 8/8 Purdue, and the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive this free Lady Lion lunchbox. The game, which is a "white-out," tips off at 2 p.m.; all fans should wear white to show their Lady Lion pride. |
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. February 3, 2006 - Penn State will put its three-game home conference win streak to the test Sunday against its biggest rival when it plays host to No. 8/8 Purdue at 2 p.m.
The game will air live on WPSU-TV (Adelphia Channel 3), CSTV and CN-8. FSN-Pitt will air the game on Monday at 1 p.m. On the radio, the Penn State Sports Network will carry the broadcast. Fans can also hear the audio at GoPSUsports.com where a link to the GameTracker feature is also available.
The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Lady Lion lunchbox and, like Thursday's game, it is a "white-out." Penn State fans should wear white to support the Lady Lions and show their Penn State pride.
The Penn State-Purdue game is always one of the best on the Big Ten schedule. Last year the teams split the season series with each team winning at home. Purdue outlasted Penn State, 70-56 earlier this year, but it will not be an easy road for the Boilers on Sunday - Purdue has not won in Happy Valley since 1999.
Penn State (10-11, 4-6) is led by All-Big Ten candidate Kam Gissendanner (Clairton, Pa.), who is averaging 16.0 ppg, which ranks sixth in the Big Ten. Gissendanner has been especially hot as of late, and is averaging 19.6 ppg over the last five games. She has also been productive in the tough Big Ten Conference, averaging 17.4 ppg, which checks in at 3rd among all Big Ten players.
Leading Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidate Brianne O'Rourke (Pittsburgh, Pa.) tops the team and the Conference in assists at 5.4 per game. O'Rourke made a big statement Thursday vs. Michigan. On offense she dished out nine assists, one short of her career high. Defensively she swiped seven steals, setting a new career high.
No. 8/8 Purdue (17-3) was 9-0 in Big Ten play going into its Thursday game at Iowa but was upset by the Hawkeyes, 77-71 in overtime. The overtime game was Purdue's third of the Conference season. Aya Traore led the team in that game with 19 points and nine rebounds while Erin Lawless added 16 points. Katie Gearlds was held to nine points, but leads the team in scoring on the season at 14.2 ppg. Traore and Lawless follow her with 13.1 and 10.0 ppg, respectively. Purdue is averaging 67.7 ppg but is holding its opponents to a miniscule 55.8 ppg, which ranks second in the Big Ten. Purdue is also among conference best in scoring margin (No. 2, +11.9 ppg), blocks (No. 1, 5.3 bpg) and steals (No. 1, 11.4 spg).
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.