Looking to bounce back from a rough stretch that featured losses in five out of their last six games, the young Lady Lions (4-6) took on the (2-7) Sacred Heart Pioneers in the teams’ first-ever matchup in the BJC. The Lady Lions arguably played their best game of the season, with consistent offensive and defense performances from multiple players throughout the affair. With signature defense and an effective offense, the Lady Lions dominated Sacred Heart 83-46.

How It Happened 

The first half ended ended in a double-digit lead for the Lady Lions, largely due to the impressive guard play on both ends of the floor. Brianna Banks and Lindsey Spann both had the hot hand scoring in double figures, and the 25 points between the two helped to build the Lady Lions’ lead. The frantic Penn State defense was, yet again, a major factor in the first half. The Lady Lions got into passing lanes and pressured the ball carriers with their quickness and physicality to force 11 Sacred Heart turnovers. The Lady Lions dominated the pace of the game, and the Pioneers seemed to be playing a reactive brand of basketball because of the up and down tempo.

The Lady Lions came out in the second even stronger than the first. With a harassing and hounding defense, the Lady Lions forced 10 more turnovers from the Pioneers. Offensively, four players posted at least 15 points, with the leading scorer Lindsey Spann putting up 23 after having the hot hand in the first. Dominating on the boards, taking and hitting good shots, consistency on defense, and taking care of the ball were all features of the Lady Lions’ game in the second half. Committing only eight turnovers in the whole game, and with a field goal percentage close to 45 percent, the Lady Lions were able to continuously stretch and maintain the lead in the BJC, and they put the Pioneers away in a big way, 83-46.

Player Of The Game

Lindsey Spann notches the player of the game after putting up a game-high 23 points, along with 2 steals, 5 boards, and 5 assists.

Takeaways

• Taking care of the ball makes all the difference. In each of their losses this season, the Lady Lions posted an exuberant number of turnovers. Sunday, they took care of the ball, and that was the difference-maker in building a solid lead.
• Spann is a spark plug. Lindsey Spann may not always show her prowess on a stat sheet, but she will hit big shots, guard a team’s best opponent, and lead her team both vocally and through her play. She can start come off the bench. No matter what she does, she is a wildcard player, and can prove to be a major spark for a team that struggles offensively at times.

What’s Next? 

The Lady Lions will start their Big Ten campaign in the BJC at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31 against Northwestern.