Jan. 23, 2014
By Tyler Feldman, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Defense has been a stress point that Coquese Washington has emphasized to her Lady Lions the past couple of weeks.
However, it was senior Ariel Edwards' offensive efficiency, in addition to her strong defense, that led No. 13/13 Penn State (14-4, 5-1) to a 66-52 home victory over the Indiana Hoosiers (15-4, 2-4) last night at the Bryce Jordan Center.
The versatile 6-foot-3 forward from Elmont, N.Y., was a dual threat Wednesday night, creating problems for the Hoosiers on both ends of the court.
"Ariel does a good job of attacking the basket and using her size to get herself great shots," said Washington. "When she gets to the free throw line, she shoots well from there, too."
Edwards finished the game with 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and handed out four assists. She also converted on her only three-point shot attempt of the game and was 5-of-6 from the free throw line.
Thanks to her teammates crisp passes and her ability to move well without the ball, Edwards managed to pass the 800-point milestone last night, now with 806 points.
"I would definitely say it was my teammates," said Edwards about the reason she was getting open shots vs. Indiana. "They got me the ball when I was open and gave me good looks, clean looks, and I really didn't have to work really hard to get shots, which is really good."
Washington echoed her sentiments.
"I thought her teammates got her the ball in positions where she could be successful," said Washington. "She does a really good job of picking her spots and taking good shots. Part of being efficient is knowing what shots not to take. She does a good job of knowing which shots she feels comfortable taking."
The offensive efficiency exhibited by Edwards was certainly a positive, but it was her leadership that she displayed on defense that helped Penn State hold Indiana to a meager 27.6% (16-of-58) from the field.
"I don't know if there was a difference [on defense], but it [defense] has just been a focus for us," said Edwards. "It is something that we want to do game in and game out. Holding them to 27 percent is something great and something we look to do every night."
With the Lady Lions playing in a 2-3 zone the majority of the contest, Edwards managed to corral eight rebounds (six on defense), tallied one block and stole three passes.
Despite Edwards's well-balanced efforts, and the fact that the Blue and White allowed just 52 points and out-rebounded the Hoosiers, 54-30, Washington still believes there is room to grow defensively.
"I would give it [our defense] a solid B," said Washington. "I thought we did a good job of defensively contesting shots and holding them to a low shooting percentage, but I thought we could have played a little bit better."
Even though Edwards owned the spotlight against the Hoosiers, Penn State's 14-point home win would not have been possible without some other key veteran performances.
Senior center Talia East registered her second career double-double by notching 13 points and 11 rebounds, while senior guard Maggie Lucas added 18 points and eight boards.
With the double-digit win last night, the Lady Lions have now won three games in a row, prompting Washington to delve into why winning games consistently due to disciplined defense is so important.
"I think it gives us confidence," said Washington. "When we're locked in, we know we can defend. Moving forward, if you know you can guard people that gives you confidence."
Next up for the Lady Lions are the Minnesota Golden Gophers (12-7, 1-4). Tip-off at the Bryce Jordan Center is set for 1 p.m. this upcoming Sunday, as Penn State will be celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day.