After her team's 80-77 loss to the Penn State women's basketball team, Old Dominion head coach Wendy Larry was understandably a bit star-struck.

"There are a lot of good teams out there that tried to get Ms. Banks to come to their school too, so we are capable of knowing that she can go off like that," Larry said, referring to Penn State standout freshman Tyra Grant. "I mean Grant, I'm sorry. I keep calling her Banks. ... Tyra Banks, that's a model."

Though Tyra Banks' celebrity may be over her head, Grant has stepped into a superstar role early and often for the Lady Lions (5-5). The former Ms. Ohio Basketball's career-high 29-point performance on Sunday at the Bryce Jordan Center helped Penn State stave off a big Lady Monarch run in the second half. In addition to her scoring proficiency, Grant's ball control -- she didn't turn the ball over once -- and tenacious defense were paramount in the victory.

"You just need to work your way into the game and focus on what you can do," Grant said. "If I wasn't doing good offensively, I would pick it up defensively. I do whatever it takes."

Grant, a recent addition to the starting lineup, came out of the gates firing. She slashed and sliced her way to 16 points in the first half and was noticeably animated after most buckets. However, her enthusiasm also contributed to trouble. Grant put up gaudy numbers in only 24 minutes, but Penn State head coach Rene Portland still watched most of her second-half minutes cautiously.

"The bottom line is that we called the kid's number, and she had to get it done, and she was so pumped to get it done," Portland said. "And you can tell by her body language that she was ready to get things done for us."

As the Lady Monarchs made their late push with Grant on the bench, Portland decided to roll the dice and subbed Grant in despite her four fouls. Grant scored six of the last 10 Lady Lion points, including several clutch free throws. She leapt in the air elatedly as the final buzzer sounded, putting an end to the Old Dominion comeback and signaling a triumphant return home for Penn State.

Grant has been a different player, particularly at home, where her on-court personality has quickly made her a fan-favorite. Her 20.2 scoring average in four home games -- all Lady Lion wins -- dwarfs her 6.3 tally on the road.

"I love playing at home. ... I live for these types of moments. I'm sure everyone does," Grant said. "To be the person that the team can look to to make a big shot, get a steal, do something big to spark something else. It is an unbelievable feeling.
I just love the fact that I can be there."

Portland is getting more comfortable putting the ball in the hands of the young star who is quickly becoming her team's go-to guard.

"She is a Lady Lion. She felt how we all felt for the last week or so. She is a team player," Portland said. "I don't look at her as a freshman."

Except, of course, when it comes to fulfilling her off-court duties.

"The only time she is a freshman is when she is carrying luggage," Portland said.