Despite slow start and shaky finish, Penn State defeats Nebraska 82-73

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa – What was starting to look like a long Sunday afternoon for the Lady Lions, eventually turned into an 82-73 Penn State victory over Nebraska.

Ashley Owusu led the way with 20 points, as she made her first start with Penn State. The Virginia Tech transfer has now hit double digits in all three games she has played with the Lady Lions.

“I feel super comfortable but it’s still only my third game,” Owusu said. “I’m still learning about my teammates and their tendencies, but that's only going to come with practice.”

It also came as a surprise when starters were announced and Owusu got the wave over Makenna Marisa.

Marisa, who averages 14.6 points per game, only needed 18 points to hit a career 2,000. The fifth-year senior knocked down seven, while only playing 19 minutes.

Coach Carolyn Kieger commented on the situation saying that fans can expect to see many different starting lineups throughout the remainder of the season.

Penn State committed four turnovers before scoring any points, becoming victim to an early 7-0 Nebraska lead.

When asked about the team's opening possessions, Lady Lions head coach Carolyn Kieger said “We have to stop starting the game with a turnover. We have to.”

Penn State was able to get itself together for the rest of the game before Nebraska came out shots firing again to start the fourth quarter. The Cornhuskers managed to cut the Lady Lions lead from 21 back down to seven.

“We really focused on taking better shots offensively,” Leilani Kapinus said about the fourth quarter. “They’re a good team so they’re gonna make a run, but we fought back and held our own.”

Kapinus had a magnificent showing today as she tacked on numbers in just about every category. She provided four of the team's 10 steals, as well as adding 13 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

“Leilani can bring whatever you need at any given moment,” coach Kieger said. “She can guard one through five and I don’t know if there’s any other defender in the league that can do that.”

With this win the Lady Lions continue an excellent homestand, with their BJC record improving to 10-1. Penn State’s only home loss came from Michigan State back on Dec. 30.

Penn State improves their conference record to 4-3, as they travel to Evanston on Wednesday night in hopes of getting a season sweep over Northwestern.

Gianna Dowling is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her please email gmd5738@psu.edu.