March 2, 2016
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.- In college basketball the month of March is all about one phrase, "survive and advance." The Penn State Lady Lions did just that Thursday afternoon, as the 11th seeded Lady Lions took down the 14th seeded Illinois Fighting Illini in round one of the Big Ten tournament, with a 75-66 win.
Penn State got off to a hot start against the Illini, hitting their first three 3-pointers, including back-to-back shots by Teniya Page and Lindsey Spann, to jump out to a 13-5 lead early. The two teams traded buckets the rest of the quarter, as PSU took an 18-14 lead at the end of the first.
The quick start was important for the head coach Coquese Washington, especially in this tournament setting.
"I think it's critical, the start of the game is very important." Washington said following the win. "I always feel the first game in the tournament setting is always the toughest. The stakes are high. I'm really happy we're able to come here and get this win under our belt."
With both teams playing zone on the defensive end, jump shots came early and often for both squads on the offensive end. Penn State shot 5-17 from three in the first half, while Illinois wasn't far behind at 4-10 behind the arc.
While the outside shooting wasn't necessarily part of the game plan, it was all about getting good looks.
"Just taking open shots and seeing where the gaps are and attacking the gaps," said guard Lindsay Spann on the offensive mentality.
The outside shooting, coupled with strong play from freshman Teniya Page, gave the Lady Lions a 37-31 lead heading into the break. Page, a Second Team All-Big Ten and was a unanimous All-Freshman Team selection, led Penn State with 11 points in the first 20 minutes. Finishing the night with a team-high 18 points and nine assists.
"I thought Teniya showed why she's one of the best players and performers in the Big Ten," Washington said on her freshman guard. "When the stakes are high, such as the Big Ten tournament, she shows up and performs."
"It feels good the first game to get a win," Page added. "I think I'll feel a lot more comfortable considering my first (Big Ten tournament) game is over."
Although Page led the scoring category, it was a balanced effort all game long that helped keep Penn State in the game, as four players finished the afternoon in double figures. Peyton Whitted followed Page offensively with 15 points and nine rebounds. While Spann and Brianna Banks added 12 points apiece.
"It's very important to have balance scoring," said Spann on the offensive effort. "When you have multiple people contributing we're a threat from all different areas."
While the Lady Lions jumped out to a quick lead to start the first quarter, the third quarter saw a balanced start after halftime. A driving Illinois layup cut the PSU lead to 46-43, but every time the Illini looked like they were about to turn the tide, Penn State came back and responded.
"Composure is key, basketball is a game of runs," Washington said. "People are going to make shots, you're going to make shots, the thing is you can't fall apart when you've got control of the game."
Keeping control is just what Penn State did, as they held the lead despite each second half Illinois run, and made plays down the stretch to secure the win.
Penn State will look to keep their tournament run going as they take on the 6th seeded Purdue Boilermakers tomorrow night at 9 p.m. ET.