Dec. 7, 1997

Second Half Run Sends Terps to Victory Over Penn State, 59-53

COLLEGE PARK, MD-- Maryland seniors Stephanie Cross, Kalisa Davis and Sonia Chase combined for 50 points and 22 rebounds and the Terps went on a 17-4 run midway through the second half to turn back the Penn State Lady Lions, 59-53, at Cole Field House Sunday night.

The Terps improved to 5-2 (1-0 ACC), while the Lady Lions fell to 4-3. It was the Terps' first win over Penn State since December 5, 1991, and ties the all-time series at eight wins apiece.

Trailing 30-26 at the break, Maryland quickly fell behind 37-26 in the first two minutes of the second half. The Terps managed to cut the deficit to five points, 40-45, at the 10:31 mark when Davis scored six consecutive points for the Terps.

Maryland then went on a 13 to 4 run and took a four point advantage, 53-49, with 4:30 remaining. The Lady Lions cut Maryland's lead to two points in the final minutes but were unable to tie the score.

"We need to work harder on having that killer instinct," said Penn State head coach Rene Portland. "When they are down, we have to keep them down."

Davis led the Terps with 18 points and Cross added 17. Chase, replacing injured point guard Tiffany Brown, ran the offense to perfection, scoring 15 points and dishing out five assists. Christine Portland led Penn State with 17 points.

"Everyone played very well," said Maryland head coach Chris Weller. "We came up with huge buckets and great defensive plays. We showed the personality of a top 20 team tonight. We had tough competitiveness and poise."

Maryland's victory Sunday night was its fifth consecutive win. The Terps will next be in action on Dec. 13-14, when they host the Dial Soap Classic.

Printer-friendly format	Email this article