Jan. 28, 2015
By Gabrielle Richards, GoPSUsports Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Coming off back-to-back Big Ten victories, the Lady Lions (5-15, 2-7 Big Ten) are looking to build on their momentum as they face-off against Minnesota, tonight. Head coach Coquese Washington is confident that the energy her team has had both in games and in practice will transition well on the road.
"We have had a good week," Washington said. "There have definitely been a lot more smiles and the girls are feeling more confident."
It is obvious that the young Lady Lions are becoming more confident due to their increased understanding of their roles on the court. Penn State's bench play has improved, as well, especially when looking at Alex Harris' performance against Northwestern. The sophomore tallied 11 points and 10 rebounds, solidifying her first career double-double. Peyton Whitted also scored double-figures off the bench against Northwestern (11).
"The game is slowing down for them," Washington said. "They aren't thinking as much, they are just playing. They have been able to slow down the game because they are becoming more comfortable with this level of play and are now able to predict or anticipate the next play."
The Gophers enter tonight's game with a 16-4 overall mark a 5-3 record in Big Ten play. The numbers aren't intimidating for this young team, as they have improved game in and game out so far this season.
"They play hard," assistant coach Jocelyn Wyatt said. "Our strength is our team chemistry. Our girls fight hard for each other and for Coquese [Washington]. I think we have a lot of confidence heading into this game, so we are going to take advantage of that and get it done on the boards."
At the beginning of the season, coach Washington said that she "was still getting to know the team." This being her first year coaching most of the Lady Lion roster in game situations, she, just as much as them, was getting to know the way they play and adjust to collegiate basketball.
"I wouldn't say I know them pretty well, but I know them better," Washington said. "As a coaching staff, I think, we are able to get a little more out of them because we know how they react to different things. We know how to coach them better so that they are able to perform at their best."
The Lady Lions take on the Gophers at Minnesota tonight at 8 pm. Fans can watch the Big Ten match up on BTN Plus.