UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Despite a close 66-62 loss to Michigan at the Bryce Jordan Center on Sunday, the day was a hit for the Penn State Lady Lions program and its fans thanks to 409 cancer survivors in attendance that were celebrated at halftime as a part of the annual Pink Zone Play4Kay game.
With a total of 5,024 fans in attendance, the cancer survivors were celebrated all day but made their way to the court at halftime where they all held signs with how long they have survived cancer on the sign. It was a total of 2,771 years, four months and 26 days of survivorship.
"It was incredible. This is probably our favorite game to play because we know the energy in the building and the support that the community brings to our Pink Zone game means a tremendous amount," head coach Coquese Washington said. "We just knew it was going to be a great atmosphere and we appreciate the support that our community gives and our fans give on this day."
In front of a sea of pink, Michigan and Penn State gave everyone a show in a game where the two teams were never separated by double digits.
Penn State was able to use high pressure on-ball defense to build an early lead and harass the Michigan ball-handlers. They forced 13 first half turnovers and 22 on the game.
"I thought we had really good ball pressure, especially on the perimeter," Washington said. "Our perimeter defense in terms of pressuring the ball kind of frustrated them and forced them into some turnovers and we were able to capitalize on that early in the game."
In turn Penn State dominated in the points off turnovers category 23 to just two for Michigan and had the only 12 fast break points in the contest.
Siyeh Frazier lead the way with four steals and 12 points only behind Teniya Page's 17.
"Just do what my coaches tell me to do. Pressure the ball, keep her in front, and contain," Frazier said of her mindset.
Penn State had a chance trailing by two points late in the action but Page had a baseline jumper role off the rim before Nicole Munger free throws put it away for Michigan.
"We were just a couple of possessions away I think from finishing the game. Teniya (Page) had a good look at the end to send it into overtime," Washington said. "We just have to keep working and figure out how we can get those one or two possessions to close these games out. But hats off to Michigan, they have a really good player, Hallie Thome, and she played really well for them today and Naz Hillmon as well."
Penn State may not have had the outcome they wanted on the scoreboard, but the energy inside the building, represented by the cancer survivors, felt like a win. Led by players on the Penn State men's basketball team, the mood was light with the entire arena dancing to a rendition of "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. It was a special day to be at the Bryce Jordan Center.
