"We were ready to trash that press, it was that bad," Portland said. "Over Christmas break we instituted a pressing team, some of our starters got taken off the pressing group. I think our pressure late in the first half was a game changer."

Five minutes into the first half, Portland unleashed three members from that new pressing squad -- guards Chrissy Falcone, Lisa Shepherd, and forward Maren Walseth.

The result -- a 90-66 Lady Lion victory last night at the Bryce Jordan Center.

With the help of an inspired defensive effort, Penn State was able to regain that lost spunk in its step during its previous two game losing streak.

"Once (Portland) put (the pressing team) out there, we had to do it," Lion guard Helen Darling said. "Once we got steals we had all the momentum in the world. You get one steal, you want to go get another one."

One thing led to another for the Lions' pressing defense, which forced the Spartans' starting backcourt combination of Maxann Reese and Donita Johnson into early foul trouble.

Sophomore guard Christie Pung quickly was inserted into the Michigan State lineup and made four turnovers.

The Spartans' nine-point cushion turned into a one-point halftime deficit -- a trend that continued into the game's final 20 minutes.

Michigan State, which shot over 60 percent from the floor in the first half, was shackled to an abysmal 20 percent in the second half.

Reese, who lit the Lions for 12 first-half points, was held in check, connecting on one of her five second-half attempts from the field.

Exhibiting the Spartans' offensive frustration, Michigan State forward Becky Cummings projected her gum in the direction of the Penn State Pep Band as she fouled out with four minutes remaining in the contest.

In a must-win situation, Penn State's press gave the Spartans more than they could chew.

"Tonight was a must-win situation," Penn State forward Andrea Garner said. "After the Purdue loss we were ninth in the conference. We had to show that we are still there. Don't think we are going to go away."