Penn State women’s basketball is nearing the end of the regular season, but with only two games remaining, it is hoping to make a last-second push. The Lady Lions are currently 10-17 overall and 3-13 in conference play. Although the season as a whole has not gone as planned, head coach Carolyn Kieger believes her team is playing its best basketball at the right time.

“We’ve continued to get better and carry over concepts, so our mindset is where it needs to be,” Kieger stated. “We feel like we are playing our best basketball down the stretch, and that’s what you want.”

After earning two consecutive Big Ten victories, Penn State has shown improvements as of late. Kieger emphasized that the team’s growth can be credited to consistent effort and focus throughout the season.

“The team has been stacking good days and practices. Everyone is locked in, and we are just approaching it one day at a time, but we are really excited.”

The Nittany Lions’ preparation will be tested in their upcoming matchup with the USC Trojans. Kieger described the Trojans as one of the most physically challenging opponents in the conference due to their length and defensive presence.

USC is led by guard Jazzy Davidson. The freshman has posted at least 20 points in each of the last five games, averaging 18 points per game this season. Coach Kieger credited Davidson and acknowledged her elite scoring ability.

“Jazzy is super talented and shoots the three well,” Kieger said. “She’s long and can score well in transition. We have to get bodies on her and force tough shots to make sure she gets nothing easy.”

Although USC has an elite scorer on their side, Penn State has one of its own in freshman guard Kiyomi McMiller. She has been one of the team’s most dynamic contributors this season and has proven she can score from anywhere on the hardwood.

“She is playing super confident right now and is scoring at all three levels,” Kieger emphasized. “It has been fun to watch her grow and mature. It is really rewarding to see all the hard work she put in come to fruition.”

Improvement has extended throughout the roster. Kieger pointed to freshman Nyla McFadden as one of the most improved players within the entire conference, highlighting her commitment to development.

“Nyla has just weathered the storm and stayed true to the process,” Kieger said. “She is starting to understand what it takes to play in the Big Ten. She is probably one of the most improved players on the team and in the conference.”

Although the Lady Lions are excited for the final stretch, it will also entail an emotional moment. On Wednesday, Penn State will honor its seniors in its final home game against the USC Trojans. Coach Kieger emphasized she is proud of the growth and wants to send them out on a good note.

“I want to send the seniors out with a win in their last home game,” Kieger said. “They are incredibly special, and I can’t say enough about their development on and off the court.”

With important games ahead and senior night approaching, the stakes are going to be high, but the Lady Lions see it as an opportunity. Their confidence seems to be growing, but with no losses to spare, they will need to be up to the task. They are focused on finishing the season strong, one day at a time.