Lions, Cats take slumps to Indy

After pair of sub-par regular seasons, Penn State and Northwestern will duke it out in Big Ten first-round action to try to end seasons on a high.

The Penn State and Northwestern women's basketball teams have both felt the sting of frustration throughout the season.

After winning seven of their first 10 Big Ten games and moving into third place in the conference last month, the Lady Lions (14-12, 8-8 Big Ten) slumped and won just one game in February to drop to seventh.

At 6 p.m. tonight both teams will have the chance to turn their disappointment into glory when they meet in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. The winner will move a step closer to winning the tournament title and an automatic NCAA bid with it.

In order for Penn State to do that, it must avoid starting off slow, a problem it has had the entire season. The Lions have buried themselves frequently by halftime during the slump, most recently in their regular season finale against Wisconsin. The Lions have rallied each time, but the deficits have been too large to overcome.

"We have to get off that bus and be ready to play the first half and not get in a hole," Portland said. "We're not looking for any more moral victories."

Penn State fell behind by 11 in the first half in its only meeting with Northwestern last month in Evanston, Ill. That night, however, the Lions were able to come all the way back to defeat the Wildcats 77-70. Forward Clara Carter led the way for Penn State, pouring in 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Although its record may not reflect it, Northwestern has made steady progress since the Penn State loss. The Wildcats have rallied around forward Kristina Divjak, who torched the Lions for 29 points, to win four of their last eight games. Two weeks ago they spanked third-place Indiana 81-59.

Penn State could have its hands full trying to slow down Northwestern's attack. Divjak's 21.6 points per game leads the Big Ten. She is complemented by Big Ten assist leader Amber DeWall and sharpshooter Megan Chawansky, who pumps in 15.7 points per game.

"We have to pick it up on defense," Lion point guard Helen Darling said. "We're ready for the challenge. Everyone is staying positive."

Despite being heavily favored, Penn State could not hold off the Buckeyes and dropped an 80-79 heartbreaker.

Portland is confident history will not repeat itself.

"I wouldn't get on the plane," Portland said, "if I didn't think we could win this tournament."