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Mark Selders

Lady Lions Set for Big Ten Home Opener Against Michigan State

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Penn State women's basketball is set to host Michigan State in its Big Ten home opener on Saturday, Dec. 30. The Lady Lions continue their four-game home stretch with a nationally televised conference match up on the Big Ten Network with a 4 p.m. tip off.
 
Penn State looks to remain undefeated at home this season while in search of its first conference victory.
 
GAME INFORMATION
vs Michigan State

GAME PROMOTION
Kids under the age of 12 are free of admission prices.

LAST TIME OUT

  • Penn State broke the program single-game three-point field goal record in a 101-73 win over Central Connecticut in its last game. 
  • The Lady Lions earned their second 100-plus point win in a row, marking the first time they have done so since 2012 with two consecutive 103 point totals against Nevada and North Carolina.
  • Penn State produced its sixth 90-plus point game and third 100-plus point game this season.
  • Sophomore guard Shay Ciezki had a career performance against the Blue Devils. She scored 40 points, which is the third highest point total in program history joining Kamaria McDaniel (40), Jen Bednarek (42) and Kelly Mazzante (49). 
  • Ciezki also tied the second largest number of three-point baskets made in a game at eight, joining Maggie Lucas and Kelly Mazzante who have also done so. 
  • Freshman Moriah Murray met her personal best four three-pointers.
  • The Lady Lions scored 24 points from subs to add to their total of 346 this season.
  • Penn State is on a nine-game non-conference home winning streak since a nine-game run from 2009-2010. The current streak began with a 69-57 win over West Virginia on Dec. 11, 2022.

 
LADY LIONS IN THE RANKS 

  • Makenna Marisa sits seventh in the conference in scoring average (17.2) and 13th in total points scored (172). 
  • Shay Ciezki ranks 10th in the Big Ten, averaging 16.5 points per game. Her total of 198 points through 10 games sits at a rank of nine. Ciezki is third in the Big Ten and 13th nationally in made three-pointers with 37. Her 42.5 clip beyond the arc sits her fourth in the conference.
  • Leilani Kapinus is fourth in the conference in blocks with 15.
  • The Lady Lions are second in the country in three-point percentage, shooting 42.5% to lead the Big Ten. They also rank ninth nationally and second in the conference in three-pointers per game with 9.7.
  • Penn State ranks sixth in the nation and second in the conference in field goal percentage (50.9) while holding opponents under 40%. 
  • The Lady Lions rank third in the B1G in scoring average, scoring at a 88.2 clip per game. This percentage ties them for 10th nationally. 
  • The Lady Lions also rank second in the league in steals per game (10.8), second in blocked shots per game (5.0) and first in bench points per game (28.8).
  • The Lady Lions defense forces 17.7 turnovers per game which is second in the B1G and 30th in the nation.

 
2023-24 ACCOLADES

  • Marisa earned a spot on the three-person Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll (11/20) after her to double digit scoring outings against Kansas (34 points) and St. John's (15 points).
  • Marisa was named to the Nancy Lieberman Award Watch List for the second consecutive season. She also earned a spot on the All-Big Ten preseason team.
  • Owusu repeats on the Ann Meyers-Drysdale Award Watch List.

 
SCOUTING THE SPARTANS

  • The Spartans hold a 10-2 record this season, winning their most recent three games.
  • Michigan State has played one conference game which resulted in a 80-74 loss to Nebraska at home.
  • The Spartans played in a holiday tournament at the Cherokee Invitational on Dec. 20-21. They won both their contests against Richmond and Coastal Carolina. 
  • Michigan State broke its school field goal shooting percentage record against Detroit Mercy on Nov. 16, posting 70.9 percent from the field.
  • The Spartans rank first in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (1.97) and fourth in assists per game (21.7).
  • Michigan State holds the sixth highest scoring offense in the country with, scoring at a 92.0 clip to lead the conference. Its margin of 28.8 is ninth in the nation and first in the country.
  • The Spartans rank third in the country in three pointers per game (10.6) which also leads the Big Ten.
  • Michigan State leads the conference in assists/turnover ratio, assists per game, scoring margin, scoring offense, three point attempts per game, three pointers per game, turnover margin and turnovers per game (least).
  • Four Spartans are averaging double figures: Joiner (16.8) , Hagemann (14.3), Ayrault (14.1) and Kimball (10.8). Ayrault leads the conference in blocks with 31 and ranks second in blocks per game with 2.58.
  • Michigan State finished the 2022-23 season 16-14, 7-10 Big Ten.


PENN STATE –MICHIGAN STATE SERIES

  • The Lady Lions own the all-time series against the Spartans, 31-24.
  • Michigan Srare won the most recent game on Feb. 25, 2023.
  • Penn State is 17-10 in games against Michigan State played in Happy Valley.
  • Two games between the Spartans and the Lady Lions have gone into overtime with each team winning a contest. The last extra time game was in 2023.

 
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • PARKING: Parking for all athletic events requires a valid university permit or payment of an applicable parking fee. Parking can be purchased in advance by 11:59 p.m. the day prior to each game using Prepaid ParkMobile for $5.50, or can be purchased on game day for $10. Parking for men's basketball can be found at Jordan East, Stadium West, or Porter North lots.
  • MOBILE TICKETING: All Penn State Athletics tickets are once again mobile tickets.  Fans can access Penn State Athletics mobile ticket guide at GoPSUsports.com/mobiletickets. Make sure to have the updated Penn State Athletics App downloaded on your phone to easily access and manage your mobile tickets. Download the app on the App Storeand Google Play.
  • CLEAR BAG POLICY: The Bryce Jordan Center has a clear bag policy. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVB and are 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller are permitted. Small clutches or wristlets that are 4" x 6" x 1" are also permissible, as well as one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags. All clear bags and patrons are subject to metal detection and/or bag inspection upon entering the venue. Bag policy details can be found here.