INDIANAPOLIS — Penn State is, without doubt, the underdog against top-seeded Ohio State.
Fans don't deny it, TV personalities can't speak otherwise and the fifth-seeded Lady Lions certainly won't argue it. In fact, they are embracing it.
"You can't be scared to be the underdog," senior center Amanda Brown said. "You can't be scared to lose. Just go out there and play your best."
At around 7:30 tonight — or 25 minutes following the first game — Penn State will take on Ohio State (27-2, 16-1 Big Ten) in the semifinals of the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament in Conseco Fieldhouse.
Even if Penn State (15-15, 8-9) hadn't already lost to Ohio State twice this season, run down the list of the Buckeyes' assets and the task becomes daunting for any opponent.
Jessica Davenport, Jessica Davenport, Jessica Davenport.
Davenport, who was named Big Ten Player of the Year for an unprecedented third consecutive season, dropped 30 points in Ohio State's quarterfinal win on Friday. She's almost uncontainable.
Ohio State, ranked fifth nationally, will be without Brandie Hoskins, a standout guard, who tore her Achilles' tendon on Feb. 8. The Buckeyes also may be without Marscilla Packer, another star guard who \was injured on Friday night.
But Davenport will certainly be enough to handle for the Lady Lions.
"She's such a dominant force within this league," junior guard Kam Gissendanner said. "You can't stop her; you just hope to contain her. And you hope that if she gets hers, nobody else steps up that night."
Despite Davenport, the hulking figure on the other end of the court, Penn State is relishing the role of spoiler. The Lady Lions carry a puny target. They are in nobody's cross hairs. Nobody is looking at them with envy.
And that's OK.
"It's anybody's game. We're not looking at them like we're afraid. Were just trying to play to the best of our ability," Gissendanner said.
"We're excited to still be here. It's nice to be able to be here and have a chance. We're one of our top four teams left in the tournament."
Penn State practiced yesterday morning then enjoyed a more relaxing afternoon. Some players went to study hall while others were paraded into a mock press conference, where fans were invited to get autographs and ask questions.
Today, the plan was for the Lady Lions study film and player personnel before a team dinner. Players said the down time helped keep them fresh.
It will also give time to help prepare for some different things Ohio State might do, Penn State head coach Rene Portland said.
The Buckeyes looked vastly different during their two meetings with Penn State. In the first game, Ohio State relied on guard play. In the second game, Ohio State forced the play inside to Davenport and forward Star Allen.
No matter how Ohio State shifts its lineup, it will be favored. That much is certain. It's just a matter of how the Lady Lions will respond?
Whether it's genuine or lip-service, they've made it clear.
"No bull's-eye on our back," sophomore guard Mashea Williams said. "We are viewed as the underdog but I don't think anybody looks at it any different. We're going to go out and try to give it our best and play the way we play, and hopefully we'll come out with a win."
