From the first minute of yesterday's game Penn State guard Kelly Mazzante had her pupils focused entirely on the ball.

At the 19:01 mark of the first half she dashed in front of an errant pass and raced to the other end of the court where Michigan State guard Christi Pung intentionally fouled her by grabbing her waist. She would hit the two free throws and put the Lady Lions ahead for good in the game.

Mazzante continued to scramble, scurry and scrap for the ball throughout the rest of the first half diving on the court for loose balls and setting herself up for a wide-open three-point shots.

She went on to tally six assists and a game-high seven steals, eight rebounds and 28 points in the 97-49 rout of the Spartans.

After two sub-par shooting games against Indiana and Iowa, Mazzante came out stroking shot after shot from the field including 4-6 from beyond the arc in the first half and finished 6-12 for the game. She shot a total of 10-23 from the field.

"I wanted to come back shooting strong in this game," Mazzante said. "I haven't been shooting that well in the last two games."

But what may have been even more impressive than Mazzante's 28-point performance was her defense at both ends of the court.

More than once she anticipated incoming passes from Spartan guards taking the ball for fast breaks with defenders pursuing from behind.

Defense has not been one of Mazzante's strong points all season.

However, with an added focus on defensive plays during the Lion's practice sessions the past two weeks, Mazzante has made a conscious effort to step up pressure in the defensive zone.

"I was really trying to focus on my defensive play today," Mazzante said.

All season long Mazzante has made her presence felt and continues to pace the Big Ten freshmen class.

She is currently second in the Big Ten in scoring with 17.9 points per game and third in three-points per game with 2.11.

Mazzante has also gained attention from opposing teams who struggle to contain the 6-foot guard.

Michigan State coach Joanne McCallie said she was very impressed with what she saw in the freshmen and what she could do in the future.

"I can't remember the last time I saw a first year player play like Mazzante," McCallie said.

"She has a real eye for the basket and doesn't hesitate to take a shot. The air about her is remarkable."