What made Michael Jordan (arguably) the best basketball player of all time? Hours and hours of practice and heart and other important stuff like that.

But what bothered opponents more than anything else? His ability to talk trash. Tell Xavier McDaniel how he was going to drop 50-plus on the Knicks in the Garden then do it.

While the Lady Lions might not have perfected the art of jawing to the same extent, according to Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland, the team has polished its squawking during its late season revival. Especially guard Tanisha Wright, who Portland said, "tortures people the best."

"I'm just trying to protect my teammates, that's all," Wright said. "A lot of them. . .are not the kind to say anything back. That's just part of my personality."

Portland said she likes her defensive stalwart talking it up, as long as she keeps it respectable.

"Believe me, there's some ignorant people out there that their coaches should be embarrassed," Portland said. "She knows not to cross the line, because I'd come right out at her."

Wright has toed that line rather effectively this season while guarding some of the conference's best guards, such as Iowa guard Lindsey Meder and Wisconsin guard Tamara Moore.

The freshman's tough assignments won't be stopping anytime soon. Thursday when the Lions travel to Purdue, she will be covering the Naismith Award nominated Shereka Wright, averaging 19.1 points per game. Tanisha Wright is not intimidated.

"I think it's part of the game to get in people's heads and things like that," Wright said.

Senior success

After last season's deviating senior day loss to Michigan, seniors Rashana Barnes and Katrena Carr were especially talkative following Sunday's win against Illinois. Portland said both players got on the microphone at a team social that afternoon, something that's never happened before.

"They came in at seven in the morning and said 'We have to win this game,' so that was a big thing for the seniors to go out winners," Wright said.

The seniors performed before a crowd that knew what they were going through, it was filled with 13 former Lady Lions.

Another loss

Penn State forward Courtney Upshaw will not be playing Thursday night at Purdue due to the death of her grandmother yesterday. She will be returning home tomorrow following her classes.

This is the second death for someone close to the team, following the passing of one of Portland's close friends two weeks ago.

"It's been interesting dealing with Courtney for the last 24 hours, after what she saw I went through," Portland said.

"It will help her refocus."