Wake Forest University
Penn State
Deacs' Comeback Effort Falls Short at Penn State
11/30/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
By Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeWBB)
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Wake Forest women's basketball team dropped a 68-58 decision to Penn State Thursday (Nov. 30) evening in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.
The Demon Deacons (2-5), who trailed by as many as 22 points in the game, trimmed the deficit to seven points late in the fourth quarter but were unable to get any closer to the Nittany Lions (6-2).
Elisa Penna, who made her first appearance for the Deacs this season after missing the first six games due to injury, came off the bench to lead the team with 16 points.
Ona Udoh had a career day, finishing with a career-high 13 points and matching a career-best seven rebounds.
Alex Sharp recorded her second double-double in as many games as she finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Tyra Whitehead was the fourth player in double figures, joining Sharp with 10 points.
After spotting Penn State to a quick 6-0 lead to open Thursday's game, the Black and Gold responded with six consecutive points of their own off three Penna buckets. The two teams would trade baskets down the stretch of the opening frame, with Penn State taking a slim two-point lead into the second quarter.
The Nittany Lions took a commanding 38-18 lead into the break after outscoring Wake Forest 24-6 during the second period.
The Deacs scored the first five points of the second half as they looked to come back, eventually owning a 17-13 scoring advantage in the third quarter.
Trailing by 13 with 4:41 to play, Wake Forest furiously attempted to come back against the Nittany Lions. The Deacs went on a 7-1 over the next 3:30 to get within seven points but could not get any closer as Penn State closed out the 10-point victory.
Wake Forest returns home for the first time since Nov. 12 to take on Elon on Saturday, Dec. 2. Tipoff inside the LJVM Coliseum is set for 12 p.m.
