Lions clinch share of title

Outright Big Ten crown still in reach

A parting gift from Penn State’s four-woman senior class was a share of the school’s third consecutive Big Ten title.

The 77-62 victory against Michigan (17-12, 8-8) Saturday at Bryce Jordan Center allowed the No. 8 Lady Lions (22-6, 13-3) to celebrate in a postgame, oncourt shower of blue-and-white confetti, and gave coach Coquese Washington a reason to smile.

“It’s like Christmas morning for parents when kids open gifts and the wonderment they have and excitement they have,” Washington said. “It warms my heart to see the players enjoy the experience because they work hard for these championships.”

Ariel Edwards scored 21 points and her three senior teammates — Maggie Lucas, Talia East and Dara Taylor — followed with 17, 16 and 11.

Penn State can win the title outright today if Nebraska loses to Purdue and Michigan State falls to Indiana.

Other women’s games

Saint Francis 78, Robert Morris 73: Blackhawk graduate Alexa Hayward scored 27 points as the host Red Flash (12-16, 107 Northeast Conference) beat the Colonials. Kelly Hartwell scored 24, Cassie Oursler added 14 and Artemis Spanou had a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds for Robert Morris (17-11, 13-4).

Duquesne 54, Rhode Island 51: Wumi Agunbiade scored 15 points to lead the Dukes (17-11, 10-6 Atlantic 10) to a win at Rhode Island (7-22, 2-14).

Men’s games

Wagner 59, Robert Morris 48: Kenneth Ortiz scored 18 points as host Wagner hung on to beat the Colonials in a battle of the two top teams in the NEC. Wagner (18-11, 12-4) trailed by 10 with 9:09 left in the first half but went on a 21-3 tear. Despite the loss, the Colonials (19-12, 14-2) are still the top seed in the conference tournament and will host Fairleigh Dickinson Wednesday night.

West Virginia 81, TCU 59: Eron Harris scored 18 as the Mountaineers routed TCU at WVU Coliseum. West Virginia (16-13, 8-8 Big 12) led, 39-36, at halftime, but went on a 25-4 run starting early in the second half and pulled away to a 69-44 lead on Juwan Staten’s layup with 6:49 remaining to beat the Horned Frogs (9-19, 0-16).