After dropping three straight games in Big Ten play, the Lady Lions (6-9,1-3 Big Ten) took on Nebraska (10-5,1-3 Big Ten) in the Bryce Jordan Center in the first half of a two-game home stint. The Lady Lions struggled to contain Cornhusker superstars Natalie Romeo and Jessica Shepard, who combined for an astonishing 61 points on the night. Despite a sizable deficit early on, the Lady Lions battled back yet again and took the game to the final seconds with a commendable comeback attempt, but ultimately fell short 83-78.

How It Happened

From the opening tip, energy ran high as both teams fluidly moved the ball and paced one another. The Huskers forced six Lady Lion turnovers as they held them in check from the field. After shooting 22 percent from the field, Nebraska was able to jump out to a 29-11 lead. The second quarter was a different story, as the Lady Lions whittled the Nebraska lead to 11 points, but still trailed 45-34. The Huskers only had a total of four players score, with Jessica Shepard putting up 13 points and Natalie Romeo dropping 24 points. The Lady Lions were led in scoring by standout sharpshooter Brianna Banks, who connected on four shots. Penn State’s transition defense looked a step slow, but the offense kept the team within reach of the Nebraska lead.

The second half opened up with the Huskers keeping the pedal floored, as the team’s shooters seemingly scored at will. The Huskers’ double digit lead seemed to overwhelm the Lady Lions, who struggled mightily to hit baskets in the beginning of the half. The Lady Lions battled back into the game with stellar offensive performances from the young backcourt of Paige and Spann, who are proving to be tough assignments for opponents throughout the Big Ten. Despite the late comeback, late foul shots proved to be enough for Nebraska, who ultimately won 83-78.

Player Of The Game

Teniya Page | G | Freshman

The player of the game award goes to scrappy freshman guard, Teniya Page. Despite a rough start to the night, she ended on a high note with a team high 19 points while shooting 67 percent from behind the arc. Page is proving to be quite the offensive spark for the Lady Lions early on in her career.

What’s Next?

Up Next for the Lady Lions is the annual Pink Zone game, where the team will host the Michigan Wolverines in the Bryce Jordan Center on Sunday, January 17 at 2 p.m.