Column | Breaking down Penn State women’s basketball’s early season success
Lady Lions jump to 6-0 with wins over Lafayette, Quinnipiac, Delaware, Wagner, Bucknell and Saint Francis (Pa.)
The Penn State women’s basketball team has started the season 6-0, their best start since the 2017-18 season. The Lady Lions have won their games by an average of 22.3 points, and they have held their opponents to an average of 35.8% shooting from the field.
What’s behind the Lady Lions’ success?
There are several factors that have contributed to the Lady Lions’ early season success.
- Strong defense: The Lady Lions have been one of the best defensive teams in the country this season. They are currently ranked 11th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 54.3 points per game.
- Efficient offense: The Lady Lions have also been very efficient on offense this season. They are shooting 46.3% from the field, which is 10th in the nation.
- Good depth: The Lady Lions have a lot of depth on their roster, which has allowed them to weather injuries and foul trouble. They have 10 players who are averaging at least 10 minutes per game.
Who are the Lady Lions’ key players?
The Lady Lions have several key players who have been instrumental in their early season success.
- Makenna Marisa: Marisa is a senior guard who is averaging 16.8 points per game. She is one of the best shooters in the country, and she is also a very good defender.
- Ali Brigham: Brigham is a junior forward who is averaging 12.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. She is a very physical player who can score inside and out.
- Shay Ciezki: Ciezki is a senior guard who is averaging 11.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. She is a very good all-around player who can score, rebound, and defend.
What’s next for the Lady Lions?
The Lady Lions will face their toughest test of the season on Sunday when they travel to play No. 1 South Carolina. The Gamecocks are the defending national champions, and they are one of the best teams in the country. The Lady Lions will need to play their best game of the season if they want to pull off the upset.
