Lady Lions Hold on to Win ACC-Big Ten Challenge over Boston College

The Penn State Lady Lions (5-2) hoped to follow up the men’s basketball ACC-Big Ten Challenge win against Georgia Tech on Tuesday with one of their own in Chestnut Hill, Mass., on Wednesday. Boston College (2-5) had struggled so far this season, but stayed competitive with the Lady Lions — who eventually prevailed 60-56.

How It Happened

The Lady Lions took an early first quarter lead with eight points off of turnovers for a 13-8 advantage over the Eagles. Boston College ended the quarter on an 11-0 run to take a six point lead over Penn State at the first intermission.

Boston College continued that momentum to start the second quarter. Led by 16 first half points from Mariella Fasoula, the Eagles surged to a 27-18 lead with 4:08 left in the quarter. Penn State made a run in those final minutes to cut the lead to one with Boston College heading into the break up 31-30.

The Lady Lions had a critical stand of six minutes in the third quarter where they didn’t allow a Boston College field goal. Started by an 8-0 run after being tied 33-33, the Lady Lions ended the quarter with a six-point lead as they went into the fourth quarter up 45-39.

The Eagles wouldn’t go away with Fasoula leading the charge. The Boston College freshman scored 29 points in the game, and gave the Eagles a 56-54 lead with 40 seconds remaining. Penn State’s leading scorer Teniya Page took the game into her own hands in the closing stages, driving to the basket and scoring as she she was fouled. Page connected on the free throw to give Penn State a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

Player Of The Game

Teniya Page | Guard | Sophomore

The star from Chicago scored her 600th career point in the win. Her 24 points and crucial scoring down the stretch pushed the Lady Lions to their fifth win of the season.

What’s Next

Penn State is back at the Bryce Jordan Center at 1 p.m. on Saturday against Marshall.