Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
7-12,2-6Big Ten
Penn State
14-5,5-3Big Ten
Northwestern Falls 76-65 to Penn State
1/25/2024 9:56:00 PM | Women's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. -- The Northwestern women's basketball team got a 21-point showing from the bench, but fell 76-65 to the Penn State Lady Lions at home Thursday.
The Wildcats (7-12, 2-6) had four players score in double figures, led by Caileigh Walsh, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Melannie Daley tacked on 12 points off the bench and Maggie Pina chipped in as well with 11 points and three steals.
Northwestern took advantage of great ball movement in Thursday's game, piling up 18 assists on 23 made field goals. Individually, Jasmine McWilliams led the way for the Wildcats with a season-high five assists.
The Northwestern defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Thursday's game, forcing 16 Penn State turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 10 points on the other end of the floor. Pina's three steals led the way individually for the Wildcats.
How It Happened
Northwestern struggled out of the gate, falling behind 23-13 at the end of the first quarter.
The Wildcats fought back in the second period, however, narrowing the deficit to 38-32 by the time halftime rolled around.
After intermission, Northwestern cut its deficit to 41-37 before going on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a three from Pina, to grab a 44-41 lead with 5:38 to go in the third. Penn State responded to seize a 57-53 lead entering the fourth quarter. Northwestern knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 21 total points.
Northwestern came out of the third quarter break clicking on all cylinders, going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Caroline Lau's layup, to seize a 58-57 lead with 8:16 to go in the contest. Penn State re-asserted control, outscoring the Wildcats 19-7 the rest of the way to hand Northwestern the 76-65 loss.
Game Notes
» Caileigh Walsh notched her third double-double of the season for the Wildcats with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
» The Wildcats put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 78 percent of made field goals.
» The Northwestern bench made an impact by scoring 21 points to its scoring output.
» The Northwestern defense forced 16 turnovers.
» Northwestern cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Maggie Pina hit season highs in rebounds (4) and steals (3) and tied her season high with 11 points.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
