Penn State Women’s Basketball: Lady Lions Cruise to Fourth Straight Victory

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — The Penn State Lady Lions overcame a sloppy performance and a determined Detroit team Friday evening to capture their fourth straight win with an 80-71 victory at the Radisson Hotel Chatsworth Thanksgiving Tournament.

Maggie Lucas was once again solid by leading the Lady Lions with 28 points, while Ariel Edwards was solid throughout with 24 points, a career high after scoring 17 in her previous high last year in a win over Iowa.

The Titans used a triangle and two defense trying to shut down Lucas and point guard Alex Bentley, and for a while the gimmick defense was frustrating Penn State before it came out of the halftime break and put together some solid defense, which translated into some good opportunities at the offensive end.

Everyone that played for the Lady Lions contributed at the offensive end, with Nikki Greene and Mia Nickson scoring six each and Dara Taylor and Bentley four each. Bentley added six assists and four steals and did not turn the ball over. Penn State will be back in action Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. when it takes on tournament host Cal State Northridge in the Metadome, which, interestingly enough, was the site of the filming of the final match of the first Karate Kid.

The Matadors knocked off South Alabama in the other first round game.