Nittany Lions dominate OSU, clinch Big Ten


February 21, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.

After a tumultuous year on campus, the Penn State Lady Lions gave their school something to cheer about on the basketball court.

Nikki Greene had 25 points and 15 rebounds to lead three players with double-doubles and the 11th-ranked Nittany Lions pounded No. 8 Ohio State on the boards in an 84-66 victory Monday night to clinch at least a share of its first Big Ten title since 2004.

Mia Nickson also had a double-double with 18 points and 15 boards. She and Greene combined for 25 points and 19 rebounds alone in the first half as Penn State (22-5, 11-3) built a 15-point halftime lead.

“There are no words,” Nickson said before catching her breath. “It’s amazing, just amazing. We just worked so hard to get here.”

The second half was a mere formality. The Buckeyes (23-4, 10-4) never got closer than 13 the rest of the way. Penn State also clinched the top seed in the conference tournament, which starts next week in Indianapolis.

Samantha Prahalis had 16 points and eight assists for Ohio State.

Darryce Moore (Boardman) added six points and three rebounds for the Buckeyes, but the Lady Lions dominated the boards, 60-32.

Penn State held a 29-8 advantage on the offensive glass, and outscored Ohio State 29-0 in second-chance points.

“This might be the worst we rebounded [in] my life,” Buckeyes coach Jim Foster said, “and certainly the least competitive.”

Maggie Lucas added 12 points and 10 rebounds, the first time that Penn State had three players with double-doubles since 2008.

Nickson said Penn State was just in the “right place at the right time.” Sitting next to Greene and Nickson, Lucas was less diplomatic.

“And they’re beasts inside,” Lucas said, referring to the post players. “I don’t think it’s just right place at the right time.”

Greene had a double-double in the first half alone with 16 points and 10 boards.

All five Penn State starters scored in double digits.

Tayler Hill had 16 points for the Buckeyes, while Kalpana Beach added 12.