WHO: Penn State Woman Lions (11-6 general, 2-4 Large Ten)
WHEN: 11:31 AM (Saturday, January 14)
WHERE: Carver-Hawkeye Enviornment (Iowa Metropolis, Iowa)
TV: BTN (Mike Corridor and Meghan McKeown)
ONLINE: foxsports.com/reside
RADIO: Hawkeye Radio Community (Rob Brooks and Jaime Cavey Lang) | Sirus/XM 158 or 196
In Carolyn Krieger’s first three years at Penn State, the Lions went 7-23, 9-15, and 11-18. These outcomes present regular enchancment, however the baseline was so low to begin that they had been nonetheless one of many worst groups within the convention final yr. I don’t suppose Krieger was on the recent seat heading into this season, however one other poor yr or a step backwards for the staff possible would’ve gotten her shut.
Fortunately for Krieger, Penn State appears to have taken a step ahead this yr. The Woman Lions at present sit at 11-6 general and 2-4 within the Large Ten. They’re averaging 3.6 factors per recreation extra and giving up practically 9 factors per recreation fewer factors than final yr whereas enjoying at an identical tempo. The Woman Lions aren’t significantly near the NCAA Event bubble as of now, however competing in the course of the Large Ten nonetheless exhibits stable enchancment they’ll construct upon.
For the previous couple of years, Penn State has performed a method just like Iowa’s. The Lions have most popular to play quick and attempt to outscore their opponents. That model has brought about points, although, as a result of for the final three years Penn State simply hasn’t had the expertise to maintain tempo in a shootout. Now Penn State’s model is extra balanced with extra environment friendly scoring and a much bigger dedication to protection.
Penn State is led by senior guard Makenna Marisa. Final yr, Marisa was among the finest scorers within the convention, averaging 22.2 factors per recreation. She’s just a little off that mark this yr, averaging 18.4 ppg, however that’s largely as a result of she’s taking fewer photographs. Marisa has considerably improved her three-point taking pictures this yr, leaping from 34.1% final yr to 42.2% this yr. She additionally averages 4.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, and a couple of steals per recreation.
Redshirt sophomore guard Leilani Kapinus is the staff’s greatest defender and rebounder, averaging 3.1 steals per recreation and 6.0 rebounds per recreation. Kapinus can be an offensive menace, significantly off the dribble. She averages 11.3 factors per recreation, and shoots 53.8% from 2. Her huge weak point is three-point taking pictures, as she shoots simply 23.3% from three.
Lastly, freshman guard Shay Ciezki has had a great begin to her faculty profession, averaging 10.7 ppg and taking pictures 41.5% from three. She isn’t as properly rounded as Marisa and Kapinus, however is a deadly taking pictures choice.
Iowa has struggled in the previous couple of video games with gradual begins. Michigan jumped out to an enormous lead over Iowa early, and Northwestern even led Iowa by 5 factors very early in Wednesday’s recreation. In opposition to Penn State, I feel Iowa wants to begin a lot quicker.
Penn State is improved this yr, however it isn’t a staff that ought to severely problem Iowa at dwelling. If the Hawks begin quick, they’ll possible construct a large enough lead early to take management of the sport. In the event that they let Penn State’s offense get rolling or let Penn State’s protection power turnovers, then Iowa may find yourself in a 40-minute shootout.
