Feb. 17, 2002

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- In a close contest in Happy Valley, the Fighting Illini women's basketball team came just short of the victory. Illinois had 20 assists and out-rebounded the Lady Lions, 45-32, but it was not enough as crucial turnovers in the last two minutes sealed the victory for Penn State, 83-78. The Illini fall to 14-10 overall, 7-7 in the Big Ten.

"There is a tomorrow," head coach Theresa Grentz said. "We just need to find another way to do it, and be positive. They're young, and they played exceptionally well, but when it comes to finding a way to win, they don't have that yet. But, they'll get it. We did some things well (rebounding, assists), they were just looking for someone to help them. The transition game that worked so well for us in the first half went for them in the second half ."

After scoring a career-high 23 against Ohio State on Wednesday, Freshman Angelina Williams came out firing again today. In this contest she was matched by fellow freshman Tiffanie Guthrie. Both scored 16 points to lead the Illinois offense. Iveta Marcauskaite knocked in 15 while Dawn Vana added 14.

As she has done so many times this season, sophomore Cindy Dallas led the Illini off the glass. She recorded her fourth straight double-double with a game-high 14 rebounds while adding 10 points. Vana grabbed seven boards and Williams and Guthrie each came down with five for the Illini who grabbed 23 rebounds on the defensive side and earned 22 second chances.

In her first game in two weeks, Shavonna Hunter, who has been sitting out with asthma troubles, scored five points, grabbed four rebounds and led the Illini with six assists in 29 minutes of action.

The game was close throughout. The Illini began to pull away late in the first half, holding a 44-37 advantage at the half. They came out strong in the second half, leading by double figures early on, but the Lady Lions came back. Late in the contest the game was tied numerous times. With just under two minutes remaining, the Illini turned the ball over on three straight possessions. Penn State's Kelly Mazzante capitalized on the errors, scoring six of her 37 points off of those turnovers to sink the Illini.

Illinois returns home for Senior Night on Thursday. The Illini host Indiana at 7 p.m. at Assembly Hall.