The start of the Tanisha Wright era of Penn State women's basketball got off on the wrong foot on Monday night in the Bryce Jordan Center. The Lady Lions fell to Cleveland State by one point in a 62-61 decision in favor of the visitors. The tough loss was highlighted by a strong performance from sophomore guard Ava Black, who recorded a double-double in the season opener.
Black scored 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to set career highs. This was the third game of Black's career scoring in double figures in what is her first career double-double. also added five assists to her final stat line.
Two other Penn State players scored in double figures, with Devyn Quigley scoring 12 points and Skylar Durley adding 10 points. This was Durley's 21st
career game with at least 10 points. The Lady Lions did out-rebound Cleveland State, 45-41, in what was a fairly even game from start to finish.
Penn State held the scoring advantage in the first and third quarters, but the second quarter played a critical role in the final outcome, with Cleveland State having a 3-point advantage in the frame. An 8-0 run for the Vikings helped keep Cleveland State on top going to halftime. The game was tied going to the fourth quarter, but Cleveland State had a quick 6-0 run after Black hit a three-pointer to open the quarter. Penn State battled back to tie the game at 52-52 in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Lions' offense went cold for a stretch, and Cleveland State took advantage of free throws to gain the upper hand.
Penn State will be on the road for its next game. Penn State visits Cincinnati on Saturday, Nov. 7. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. from Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State Lady Lions open season with loss
