Penn State (9-2) hosted American University following a break in the hectic game schedule for finals week. The Eagles (3-7) traveled to face their first power conference opponent of the season and nearly escaped with a win, but the Lady Lions overtook the lead late to win their fifth straight.

How It Happened

American got off to an early lead on the Lady Lions with Penn State struggling from the field in the opening minutes. UCONN transfer forward De’Janae Boykin made her Penn State debut in the opening quarter after sitting out the last 12 months per NCAA rules. Penn State trailed 13-6 at the end of the quarter, registering the fewest points it has in a quarter this season.

Penn State’s offense finally got out of the gates in the second quarter with a strong effort from Jaida Travascio-Green, who put up three buckets to pull the Lady Lions within a single possession. The Lady Lions took their first lead on a Boykin basket with 2:14 left in the half to make it 19-18. Penn State went into the locker room with a 24-20 lead over the Eagles.

Penn State added to its lead out of halftime. Teniya Page, who finished the game with 30 points including 15 from the foul line, became the second Lady Lion ever with three 30+ point games before the end of her sophomore season. She was crucial in a 9-0 run in the middle of the quarter that helped establish a 40-31 advantage. The Lady Lions entered the fourth quarter leading by eight.

American battled back to open the final quarter, coming within a possession of the Lady Lions in the first three minutes. With just over four minutes to play, American took the lead on a three from Kaitlyn Lewis, but Penn State scored on its next possession and Boykin gave the Lady Lions a 58-57 lead on her drive during the next possession. Penn State would hold on to this lead as it closed out the game 70-65.

Player Of The Game

Teniya Page | Guard | Sophomore

Page led Penn State in scoring for the seventh time this season with a huge 30-point effort to help the Lady Lions avoid a disappointing loss to American.

What’s Next

The Lady Lions wrap up their non-conference slate on Tuesday against Iona. Tipoff in the Bryce Jordan Center will be at 7 p.m.