Lady Lions Win Second National Championship in 5 Years
Beaver Wins National Championship Game Against Central Maine Community College!
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Central Maine CC
27-4
|
19 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 61 |
|
Penn State Beaver
27-4
|
25 | 16 | 21 | 17 | 79 |
Team Stats
Central Maine CC
| Game Statistics | Central Maine CC | Penn State Beaver |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | (20-66) | (30-69) |
| Field Goal % | 30.3% | 43.5% |
| Rebounds | 42 | 49 |
| Assists | 9 | 14 |
| Turnovers | 23 | 19 |
| Pts off Turnovers | 12 | 28 |
| 2nd Chance Pts | 9 | 15 |
| Pts in the Paint | 20 | 52 |
| Fastbreak Pts | 0 | 0 |
| Bench Pts | 15 | 4 |
Uniontown, PA – The #1 Penn State Beaver women's basketball team won their second National Championship, by defeating the 2018-2019 defending National Champs, Central Maine Community College (Central Maine CC), 79-61 on Wednesday afternoon in the Main Arena at Penn State Fayette.
The Lady Lions jumped on the Mustangs early, leading 25-19 after the first quarter, shooting 55% (10-18) from the field. All-Tournament player, Senior Forward/Center Cheyenne Lopez (Roswell, NM) showed out and led the first quarter assault, scoring 17 points.
The teams traded baskets much of the second quarter, before Central Maine CC eventually cut the deficit to seven at the half, 41-34.
The Lady Lions dominated the third quarter as they forced 6 turnovers and outscored Central Maine CC, 21-13. The defensive intensity was sparked by early in the third on Cross's steal and assist, finding an open Thomas for a mid-range jumper.
In the fourth, the Lady Lions were able to maintain their lead. Beaver refused to let up the defensive pressure and continued to attack on offense. Thomas, Chambers, and Cross secured several key offensive boards down the stretch, resulting in more field goal opportunities and ability to drain the clock.
Four players scored in double digits for the Lady Lions. Both Lopez (26 points and 11 rebounds) and Cross (11 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists) recorded another double-double for the 2019-2020 season. Additionally, All-tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP), Junior Diamond Thomas (Pittsburgh, PA) scored 19 points and 9 rebounds; and Junior Guard Jimya Chambers (Phoenix, AZ) scored 10 points and chipped in 8 rebounds.
PSU Beaver dominated from beginning to end and established a strong presence in the paint scoring 52 of their 79 points. Additionally, their chaotic pressure defense allotted them 28 points from turnovers which aided in their victory. The win for the Lady Lions completes an extraordinary season for a very young and resilient team. GO LADY LIONS!!!!
