Penn State women’s basketball (9-5, 0-1 Big Ten) didn’t get off to the start in Big Ten play it wanted as No. 21 Michigan rolled to an easy home win over the Lady Lions, 89-69.

The Wolverines (12-2, 1-0 Big Ten) used a big first quarter, jumping out to a 21-point lead to avenge last year’s upset in the Bryce Jordan Center.

How It Happened

Michigan started the game with the hot hand — 8-10 from the field with five of those buckets coming from three-point range. Even when the Wolverines were missing, they dominated the Lady Lions on the boards with a 15-6 rebound advantage including 5 offensive boards. After 10 minutes of complete domination, Michigan held a 29-8 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Wolverines’ lead didn’t grow much after the first quarter onslaught, but the damage was already done. Between senior guard Katelynn Flaherty’s prowess from range — breaking a school record with 10 three-pointers — and 6’5″ center Hallie Thome’s dominance in the paint, Michigan kept a safe distance from Penn State through the rest of the game.

Guards Teniya Page, who notes she’s at about 85 percent after an ankle injury over the summer that forced her to miss the opening half of non-conference play, Amari Carter, and Jaida Travascio-Green finished in double figures for the Lady Lions.

Coquese Washington’s team battled in the fourth quarter to trim the once 27-point deficit to as few as 14, but the comeback was short lived and the Wolverines glided down the stretch to their 89-69 win.

Player of the Game

Hallie Thome | Center | Junior

Penn State had no answers for the All-Big Ten first team honoree. Triple teamed at times, she had a double-double on the night with 21 points and 13 rebounds, nine of which were on the offensive end and helped the Wolverines tally 19 second-chance points.

What’s Next

The road ahead doesn’t get easier for the Lady Lions, who will face No. 15 Maryland New Year’s Eve at 2 p.m. live on BTN.