After a dissapointing loss at Michigan State Sunday, the questions started coming in for the Penn State women's basketball team.

Of concern for the Lady Lions was more than tonight's game with Northwestern (4-14, 0-7 Big Ten) at The Bryce Jordan Center at 7.

With an 11-8 overall record and a 3-3 Big Ten record and 10 games remaining, the team has to start thinking about qualifying for the NCAA tournament.

For the Lions, a team that the media predicted to finish second in the Big Ten, grappling for a postseason berth was not supposed to be an issue, even with a largely inexperienced lineup.

Nevertheless, the team has begun discussion among itself as to what must be done to be looked on favorably by the often-fickle selection committee.

"I think its something we need to start talking about," forward Jess Brungo said. "I think Annie (Troyan, assistant coach) told us yesterday we need to win seven of our last 10 games to even have a chance at the NCAA tournament.

"I wouldn't necessarily say that we're worried about it but I think that has to be a big goal of ours."

Coach Rene Portland is a little more determined.

"We're too nice, we'd like to get into the tournament if we win seven out of 10 games," Portland said. "We can win 10 out of 10 games."

The optimistic coach sees hope in that her squad has yet to lose a conference game they did not give away.

She feels this can be turned around as the Lions enter the second half of their conference season.

"I don't particularly think there's a team we lost to in the Big Ten that outplayed us," Portland said. "I think we have more to do with our losses than other teams do."

The Lions have an excellent opportunity to set the tone for a stretch run with tonight's showdown with lowly Northwestern.

"We're improving, but not enough to win a ball game," Wildcats coach June Olkowski said.

Olkowski concedes Northwestern may not be able to stop guard Kelly Mazzante, but believes the key to success is limiting the other Lions.

"We need to work our butts off to make sure the players around her don't have great games," Olkowski said.

Portland isn't overlooking the Wildcats.

"We've got to get our act back together and use this momentum of two home games," Portland said.