Jan. 11, 2015
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
A strong start and huge defensive performance fell short as the Lady Lions lost to new Big Ten foe Rutgers, 71-51, Saturday.
Penn State held on throughout the first half with just a deficit of six at the end of the first period. When head coach Coquese Washington was asked what kept Penn State in the game she simply replied, "I think it was our defense."
The Lady Lion defense crashed the glass yesterday outrebounding the Scarlet Knights with a total of 40 boards. The duo of Tori Waldner and Peyton Whitted pulled down 16 for a team-best of eight rebounds each. Candice Agee also logged six rebounds for the Lions.
The 6-5 Waldner added two blocks and three steals to the Lady Lions defensive effort.
"When we were able to have stretches where we took care of the ball and we were actually getting shots and running offense and able to get back set in defense, that's how we were able to stay in the game," said Washington.
On the offensive side of the game, Lindsey Spann led the Blue and White with 18 points for the 12th time this season. Sierra Moore and Agee rounded out the double figure scorers with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Lady Lions were 10-for-11 at the free throw line with Spann going a perfect 4-for-4.
"I think that you see the makings of what can be a great team," said Rutgers head coach C. Vivian Stringer. "They have tremendous size. You can see that they conceptually understand what they have to do."
As a young team, Penn State continues to improve on the little things in order to develop a full 40-minute game.
"Right now we are working on putting two halves together, and that's the focus for us," said Agee. "We have to be focused and disciplined in doing that. We are going to keep working on that and hopefully be able to put two halves together."
Next up, the Lady Lions will hit the road to continue conference play at Nebraska. Thursday's 7 p.m. tip against the Cornhuskers will air on the Big Ten Network.