Struggling Penn State Visits Oregon in Big Ten Women’s Basketball Clash

EUGENE, Ore. (Interstat) — The Oregon Ducks, seeking to rebound from a narrow home loss, will host the reeling Penn State Lady Lions in a Big Ten Conference women’s basketball matchup Saturday at Matthew Knight Arena.

Oregon (14-7) enters having dropped four of its last five, including a 65-60 defeat to Minnesota on Wednesday. The Ducks have been competitive in most losses, falling in double-overtime at Wisconsin and by two points to Michigan State earlier this month. Guard Sofia Bell, a key facilitator, will look to regain her scoring touch after being held to single digits in three of the last four games.

Penn State (7-13) is mired in a nine-game losing streak, most recently an 81-65 loss at Washington on Wednesday. The Lady Lions’ last victory came on Dec. 20 against VCU. Their struggles are pronounced on defense, having allowed 90 or more points five times during the skid.

The spotlight will be on Penn State center Gracie Merkle, who has been a consistent bright spot amid the losses. Merkle has scored 18 or more points in seven of the last eight games, including a 21-point, 8-rebound effort against Rutgers on Jan. 18. Containing the 6-foot-6 junior will be a primary focus for an Oregon defense allowing just 68.2 points per game.

Oregon holds a distinct advantage in record and will be favored at home, where they are 9-3 this season. Penn State is 1-7 in true road games. The Ducks won the only previous meeting between the programs, a 76-69 victory in the 2014 NCAA Tournament.

Saturday’s game is part of the Big Ten’s expanded scheduling following conference realignment. For Oregon, it’s a chance to stabilize its postseason resume. For Penn State, it represents an opportunity to snap a demoralizing streak against a quality opponent.

Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. PST. Oregon travels to Rutgers next, while Penn State hosts Minnesota on Jan. 28.