Penn State Lady Lions fend off late Rider push to extend their record to 2-0
Penn State had to stave off a late push by Rider to earn its second victory of the season, by a score of 83-69.
And earned it was.
While the Lady Lions jumped out to a 44-27 lead against the Broncs at halftime, Rider began its march back with a layup by Raphaela Touissant with 8:44 left in the quarter. Touissant scored once more before Lady Lions guard Niya Beverley answered with a layup of her own on the fastbreak while being fouled by Rider’s Victoria Toomey.
Touissant followed up once more with a layup and followed by Lenaejha Evans’ 3-pointer. The two traded scoring opportunities, resulting in Penn State’s lead being cut to 55-50 with Maya Hyacienth connecting on a 3-pointer with 2:18 left in the third. Rider closed out the third quarter by trailing just 59-54.
Then, Penn State answered in a big way. Ali Brigham added four more points to finish off with a game-high of 23, with Beverley adding five and Makenna Marisa finishing off with a quarter-high of nine points to cap off the victory. The Lady Lions out-rebounded the Broncs 41-24 on the night and shot 53.2% (33-62) from the field to begin their season 2-0.
Player of the Game
Sophomore center Ali Brigham: Brigham has started off the Lady Lions season with an intimidating post presence — both on the offensive and defensive end. Following up a performance where she had 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals, Brigham scored a team-high 23 points, grabbed six rebounds with six assists, a block and a steal.
Not only has Brigham proven so far that she’s a welcomed addition to post for the Lady Lions, but she’s provided the ability to space the floor as a mid-range shooter. She was efficient from the field, going 11-13 and had a plus-minus of 14 while on the floor.
Turning Point
Penn State enters the fourth quarter firing on all cylinders: The Lady Lions got things started in the fourth with a Beverley three ball. They went on to shoot 3-for-5 (60%) from 3-point range and went 10-for-16 (62.5%) in the final period. It was a far cry from their third quarter, where they went 5-for-15 (33%) from the field as a whole and missed all three of their 3-point field goals.
Stat of the Game
Brigham, scoring 23 points, and Beverley and Marisa, who each scored 20, became the first three Lady Lions in double figures since 2014 against Wagner.
Up Next
vs. Delaware State: Delaware State has started the season off with an 0-2 record. It lost 87-46 to Stony Brook on Tuesday and lost 51-36 against Hampton on Thursday. The Hornets are shooting 29.5% from the field (28-for-95) and have just 10 assists. The Lady Lions will look to become 3-0 at 7 p.m. on Nov. 16.
