Defense, rebounding and fouls were the keys to the first half as the MSU women’s basketball team trails top seeded Penn State, 19-17.
Both teams shot less than 25 percent from the floor, but the Spartans dominated the boards leading Penn State 25-17 on the glass, seven of them being of the offensive variety.
The Nittany Lions got out to a quick 14-5 lead, but the Spartans then went on a 9-2 run to get it back to within two points.
From the 7:55 mark on, neither team scored a field goal.
Still senior guard Jasmine Thomas was the top performer for the Spartans with five points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Junior forward Annalise Pickrel picked up a trio of fouls early in the half and was forced to sit, and both teams looked tired as they committed 13 turnovers between them.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
