There had been something missing from the Penn State sideline during this past week, something that made its much-needed return on several occasions yesterday afternoon.

That something was the ear-to-ear smile on Rene Portland's face.

Losses to Illinois and Michigan earlier in the week had given the Penn State women's basketball coach little reason to turn her frown upside down. Yesterday, however, Portland had plenty of reason to grin, as the Lady Lions made a huge first half defensive effort and withstood a second-half Hoosier charge to defeat Indiana, 89-68.

No. 13 Penn State held the Hoosiers to a meager 16 points in the game's first 20 minutes while building a 21-point lead that would still be standing at the final buzzer.

The Lions received a little help from the officials, who whistled Indiana's top threat, center Jill Chapman, for two quick fouls in the game's opening minute, as well as from the Hoosiers themselves, who connected on just five of 35 field goal tries (14 percent). Both coaches and players agreed, however, that the difference in the half and the game was Penn State's decision to get defensive.

"They took us out of what we wanted to do," Indiana women's basketball coach Kathi Bennett said. "They were out in the passing lanes and switching on screens and we didn't do a good job of being patient with the ball and trying to break them down."

After surrendering 146 points and a number of easy buckets in road losses to Illinois and Michigan, Penn State stepped up the intensity yesterday. The Lions forced Indiana into ill-advised shots and sloppy passing, and outrebounded the Hoosiers as well, while playing with great energy and enthusiasm.

"When you take more chances and are getting more steals, you have more things to feed off of and it allows you to be more enthusiastic," sophomore point guard Ashley Luke said.

The Lions were extremely enthusiastic and aggressive yesterday, but they also displayed a marked discipline. At times it seemed as if the Lions knew what the Hoosiers were going to do before they did it, a testament to Penn State's excellent preparation.

"I think there was a lot of emphasis this week on player personnel," Portland said. "We told them 90 percent of what each person was going to do, all they had to do was focus and get it done."

The Lions got it done indeed. The Hoosiers came alive in the second half, shooting 69 percent and closing to within 12 with just under five minutes remaining on the strength of Chapman and Heather Cassady, but Penn State put the clamps back on when it had to, outscoring Indiana 15-6 the rest of the way.

It was no coincidence that the Lions' newfound enthusiasm and subsequent 'D' came after a two-game losing streak. The result was a badly needed Penn State victory.

"I hope it wasn't a mirage and I hope that we see it again," Portland said.