Penn State (2-1) returned to the Bryce Jordan Center for an out-of-conference showdown against the Akron Zips (1-1). The Lady Lions, coming off a game where it scored 106 points, continued to prove it can score in big numbers defeating the Zips 84-71.

How It Happened

Akron opened up in a 2-3 zone defensively to combat Penn State’s size advantage in the post and stayed in it the whole length of the game. With a couple of fast break scores and backdoor cuts that led to buckets, the Zips jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead over the Nittany Lions. A steady scoring attack of Kaliyah Mitchell and a red-hot Teniya Page (three first quarter threes) bursted the Lady Lions out to a 24-13 lead late in the first quarter.

The Lady Lions started the second quarter ice cold shooting from the floor with Akron beginning the quarter on a 12-2 run to take a 31-29 lead with four minutes remaining in the half. Then Page caught fire again for the Lady Lions late in the half hitting two threes and a mid-range jumper to give her 19 points for the half. Penn State went into the locker room with a 46-36 lead thanks to the hot hands of Page and Lindsey Spann to close the half.

Penn State and Akron traded baskets for most of the third quarter with Penn State hovering around a 10 point lead for most of it. The Lady Lions switched to a 2-3 zone defense and the Zips took advantage shooting 5-9 from three point territory with three of them coming in the last few minutes of the quarter to cut it to a 65-61 Penn State advantage after three.

Akron battled all the way until end, cutting its deficit to as low as two points in the final frame. Each time Akron made a little run, Penn State responded with a couple big shots to recapture the momentum. The Lady Lions controlled this game in the turnover department — scoring 29 points off of Akron turnovers compared to Akron’s six points off of turnovers. Penn State closed the deal with strong play on both ends of the court thwarting any late rally to drop Akron by a score of 84-71.

Player Of The Game

Teniya Page | Guard | Sophomore

Page had the hot hand all game for the Lady Lions playing the full 40 minutes. She shot 9-17 from the field including five triples to give her 23 points on the night. Page also tallied a team-high seven assists and six rebounds in the win.

What’s Next

The Lady Lions are back in action this Sunday against the No. 13 Tennessee Lady Vols. Tip-off at the Bryce Jordan Center is set for 5 p.m.