Lady Lions Outmatched by Purdue

Story posted January 13, 2014 in CommRadio, Sports by Tim Alvarez

The Penn State Lady Lions (11-4) fell to a tough Purdue team (11-4) 84-74, at home on Sunday. The Boilermakers played a great first half, and repeatedly answered each Lady Lions run in the second half. Courtney Moses was fantastic and on fire from three for the entire game.

“It all stemmed from our post setting great screens, and executing plays,” said Moses postgame. “Our coach always said that passers make great shooters, so teammates just making really good passes.”

Moses finished with 25 points and four rebounds on six three pointers, while also adding five free throws. KK Houser also submitted a well-rounded game for the Boilermakers, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Houser was able to penetrate the Lady Lions defense and finish at the rim, both on the fast break and through the half court offense.

The first half was a high scoring affair. Purdue shot 40 percent from the field, but really built their nine point halftime lead off free throws. The Boilermakers attempted 16 free throws to Penn Stateʼs seven. Not only was Purdue getting to the line, they were making the free throws, capitalizing on 14 of their 16 chances. Purdue locked down the Lady Lions, forcing them to shoot 35% for the first half.

Penn State was able to keep the first half relatively close due to their rebounding. The Lady Lions had 13 offensive rebounds, that contributed to 15 second chance points. Maggie Lucas played well, pouring in nine points in the first half including a four- point play. Dara Taylor also helped the Lady Lions keep it close, contributing nine points and three assists. Penn State trailed 46-37 entering halftime.

The second half was a closer affair, as Penn State was able to get to the free throw line more often and finished at the rim with more success. However, with every Lady Lion run, the Boilermakers always had an answer. The Nittany Lions were able to cut the lead to two points, but the shooting of Moses and passing of the Boilermakers as a whole was too much to overcome.

Talia East proved to be one of the bright spots for the Lady Lions. East willed Penn State back into the game with a phenomenal defensive effort and touch around the rim.

“It was a nice asset to have, knowing that we have those two in there blocking shots,” said Penn State head coach Coquese Washington. “The problem is that they are getting most of their blocks on dribble penetrations and offensive rebounds, so I would actually like them to get less blocks, meaning we are doing a better job at containing the ball and getting rebounds.”

East finished the game with nine points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks.

After a great game against Illinois, Ariel Edwards struggled for most of the day, against a stingy Boilermaker defense. Edwards finished with 12 points on 4-18 shooting. The senior guard Lucas also had a tough time against the Purdue defense, finishing with 17 points, but on 6-15 shooting.

The Boilermakers shaded their zone to Lucasʼ side the entire game, making it difficult for her to get an open look, especially in the second half.

The Lady Lions will look to bounce back from the loss when they return to the Bryce Jordan Center, to take on Ohio State on January 16th.

Tim Alvarez is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email tva5063@psu.edu.