Second-Half Surge Carries Penn State Past Washington

Katina Mack was about all No. 7 Penn State had in the second half and she was enough for an 84-66 women’s basketball victory over Washington on Monday night in State College, Pa.

Mack scored 20 of her season-high 24 points in the second half and for 6 minutes in the second half, she was the only Nittany Lion to score and had 16 straight points. Forward Angie Potthoff added 22 for Penn State, her seventh consecutive game with at least 20.

“Katina did a super job of making things happen,” Penn State coach Rene Portland said.

Mack has been on the bench recently because of a heel blister and hip injury. She missed parts of last season because of a concussion.

“I’m sick of sitting the bench,” she said.

Penn State (8-2) shot 31-of-35 from the free throw line.

Washington (3-5) was only 19-of-29 but had 17 offensive rebounds to eight for Penn State.

“We didn’t hit our free throws, and they did. And we had chances for 20 points on the offensive boards, and we didn’t finish,” Washington coach Chris Gobrecht said.

Reserve guard Jamie Redd led Washington with 14 points.

The first half had nine lead changes and six ties. The Lady Lions scored 15 of 19 points over the last four minutes of the half to take a 48-37 lead.

“They are a team loaded with seniors on their home court,” Gobrecht said. “We are a young team on the road. We have a lot to learn about what to do when things come unravelling.”

Washington hit only three field goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half as Penn State built leads of as large as 22 points.