There's no place like home for the Iowa women's basketball team, and yesterday the Hawkeyes proved that yet again, improving to 8-2 on the season at Carver-Hawkeye Arena by defeating No. 16 Penn State 79-64.

Iowa (9-8, 4-3 Big Ten) never trailed and led by as many as 26 points as it handed the Lady Lions (12-6, 4-3) their third consecutive road loss. The Hawkeyes once again gave the hometown crowd of 11, 000 something to cheer about.

"This was a great game to have fans watch. They were instrumental and inspired us throughout the game," Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder said in a press release.

Hawkeye junior guard Lindsey Meder won the highly anticipated matchup with Penn State freshman guard Kelly Mazzante in the battle of the Big Ten's top two scorers, but the real difference in the game was Iowa's domination on the glass. Led by senior center Randi Peterson, who pulled down 16 caroms, the Hawkeyes outrebounded Penn State 44-30.

"In the first half we weren't able to get any boards," Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland told WRSC Radio. "That was a real different situation for us."

Meder and senior backcourt mate Cara Consuegra led Iowa with 18 points apiece, while Peterson added 16 for the Hawkeyes. Freshman guard Jessica Brungo came off the bench to lead the Lions with a career-best 16 points, while Mazzante and senior forward Maren Walseth chipped in 12 each. Sophomore point guard Ashley Luke dished out eight assists for Penn State, but matched that number in turnovers.

Penn State committed 24 turnovers altogether and never seemed to find an offensive rhythm.

"We never got things going today," Portland said.

The veteran coach was pleased with the play of the normally unheralded Brungo, who connected on three of her five three-point tries.

"There was one bright side, and that was Jess coming off the bench," Portland said.

The Hawkeyes honored formed athletic director Dr. Christine Grant at halftime, and were happy to present her with a dominating performance.

"We were also excited that we could do this for Dr. Grant," Bluder said.