UNIVERSITY PARK — The Penn State Lady Lions made history on Wednesday afternoon with an 86-78 overtime win against Drexel, marking its 17th consecutive non-conference home court win at the Bryce Jordan Center, a program record.

With the resilient win over the Dragons, the Lady Lions move to 8-0 on the season for the first time since 1993-94. Gracie Merkle and Gabby Elliott paced the Lady Lions throughout the contest, both scoring in double figures.

Penn State showed grit in the paint to pull out the victory, outscoring Drexel 56-34. Despite five tie scores and two lead changes, Penn State proved its strength and determination in the overtime period, holding the Dragons to just four points while scoring 12 of its own.

Merkle continued her dominant double-double tear with her fourth consecutive double-double and fifth this season. Her five games with 10-plus points and rebounds ranks her third in the nation in the category.

The 6-6 center produced a season best 31 points and 11 rebounds. Merkle contributed to key moments in the game using free throws, drawing eight fouls and shooting nine-of-11 from the charity stripe. Six of her 11 boards came on the offensive glass as she continues to sit in the top ranks in the country in offensive rebounds. Elliott also posted season best numbers with 16 points and 10 rebounds, her first double-of her career, shooting eight-of-10 from the field.

Penn State’s 26 assists were paced by Moriah Murray with a career-high eight and Alli Campbell matching her personal best at eight. Campbell also produced her third consecutive double figure scoring outing with 11 points to go with seven rebounds.

Penn State hosts St. John’s on Monday in a 7 p.m. tip at the Bryce Jordan Center.

In Top 25 action on Thursday:

NO. 4 SOUTH CAROLINA 76, NO. 15 IOWA STATE 36: FORT MYERS, Fla. — No. 4 South Carolina went on a 32-0 run in the first half and routed No. 15 Iowa State in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. Playing for the first time since UCLA snapped their 43-game winning streak, the Gamecocks held the Cyclones scoreless for nearly 15 straight minutes. Joyce Edwards had 13 points and 11 rebounds for South Carolina, while Audi Crooks had 13 points for Iowa State.

NO. 11 OHIO STATE 70, OLD DOMINION 47: DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ajae Petty scored 24 points on 11-of-13 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead No. 11 Ohio State over Old Dominion in the Daytona Beach Classic. Petty scored the first four points of the game and the Buckeyes never trailed. Jaloni Cambridge added 15 points and six assists for Ohio State. Simaru Fields and Brenda Fontana both had 11 points for the Monarchs.