Recap
3 min read

Can Penn State Lady Lions Bounce Back After High-Scoring Showdown at Carver-Hawkeye Arena?

The Penn State Lady Lions faced a challenging contest against the Iowa Hawkeyes, with both teams showcasing an offensive spectacle. The Lady Lions, unranked and determined, scored 93 in a valiant effort but fell to the second-ranked Hawkeyes who tallied 111. The game was marked by frequent lead changes, seven in total, and was tied three times.


Feb 8, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) goes to the basket as Penn State Nittany Lions forward Chanaya Pinto (10) and guard Makenna Marisa (20) defend during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Lady Lions opened strong with 25 points in the first quarter but were slightly outpaced as the Hawkeyes secured 23. Despite trailing behind after two quarters of play with a combined score of 44 for Penn State and 55 for Iowa, the Lady Lions maintained their competitive edge throughout. They finished strong with an impressive 30 points in the final quarter; however, it wasn't enough to close the gap created by Iowa's consistent scoring.


Penn State's performance was highlighted by their tenacity on both ends of the court. They amassed five blocks and nine steals over four quarters of play. Their defensive efforts translated into fast break opportunities where they notched up 18 points. On offense, they managed to put up an admirable number of assists totaling at seventeen which reflects their teamwork and passing accuracy during high-pressure situations.


Feb 8, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Hannah Stuelke (45) goes to the basket during the second half as Penn State Nittany Lions guard Makenna Marisa (20) defends at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

In terms of shooting efficiency, Penn State made thirteen out of forty attempts from beyond the arc resulting in a three-point percentage rounded off to thirty-two percent. From closer range within two-point territory, they converted sixteen out of forty-one attempts which is approximately thirty-nine percent successful shots made from that area.


The team also showed resilience under pressure as they went to the free-throw line twenty-eight times making twenty-two free throws which translates into seventy-nine percent accuracy from that spot on the floor – a commendable statistic under any circumstances.


Feb 8, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) warms up before the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Rebounding played a significant role for both teams; however, it was here that Iowa held an advantage pulling down forty-nine rebounds compared to Penn State's forty-three. This included sixteen offensive boards for PSU contributing significantly towards their second-chance point tally which stood at nine.


Looking ahead after this intense matchup against one of their conference rivals, fans can look forward to seeing how Penn State will regroup as they prepare for their next challenge on February 11th when they visit Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center located in Madison at zip code:53715 scheduled for tip-off at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Central). Fans eager to support can catch all live action broadcasted directly from Madison ensuring not a moment is missed from what promises another exciting college basketball encounter.

Rate the article

Related stories

Penn State Lady Lions and Villanova Wildcats Set for Semifinal Showdown
Recap

Penn State Lady Lions and Villanova Wildcats Set for Semifinal Showdown

2 min read
Can Penn State Lady Lions' Paint Domination Overpower Bulldogs' Perimeter Prowess?
Recap

Can Penn State Lady Lions' Paint Domination Overpower Bulldogs' Perimeter Prowess?

3 min read
Lady Lions and Bruins Face Off: Who Seized the Day at Bryce Jordan?
Recap

Lady Lions and Bruins Face Off: Who Seized the Day at Bryce Jordan?

3 min read