When Penn State went down by double-digits early, its full-court press created transition opportunities that brought the game back within reach. When the Lady Lions took the lead late in the fourth quarter it was due to forced turnovers and a high-paced style of play.
But when the game slowed down and it mattered most, Penn State’s half court execution wasn’t nearly good enough.
Illinois switched its defensive scheme up multiple times throughout the game, but eventually settled on a 2-3 zone that the Lady Lions couldn’t seem to unlock.
“We need to figure out how to get playmakers on our team, we play with blinders on, we don’t see the open person,” head coach Carolyn Kieger said.