MANHATTAN, Kans. – The Penn State Lady Lions watched host Kansas rally from an 11-point second-half deficit Sunday for a 68-65 non-league victory between the two major conference teams.

The Lady Lions (9-3) still led Kansas 63-61 with 46 seconds to play when Sania Copeland nailed a three-pointer to put the Jayhawks (10-1) in front to stay.

Kansas made all four of its free throws in the closing seconds to seal the victory. A layup by Gracie Merkle with two seconds left brought Penn State within 66-65. After S’mya Nichols hit both free throws, the Lady Lions got the ball back with one second remaining only to see Regan Williams steal the ball.

Merkle led the Lady Lions with 22 points on 10 of 14 shooting to go with 12 rebounds, four assists and four blocks in 34 minutes. Moriah Murray had16 points, including 4 of 7 on three-pointers, while Alli Campbell added 15 points.

Nichols paced Kansas with 26 points, with a 13-of-16 effort from the foul line. She also had six rebounds and five assists. Elle Evans added 13 points for Kansas.

Murray netted eight points in the opening quarter as Penn State trailed early 18-14. The Lady Lions cracked up the defense in the second quarter, outscoring Kansas 15-10 as Merkle tossed in seven points. Penn State led 29-28 at the break.

The Lady Lions increased that margin to 51-47 after three quarters as Merkle made 6-of-7 shots for 12 points. Murray added eight points, including two treys.

Copeland got hot in the fourth quarter as the Jayhawks went on a 21-14 run to get the win. Nichols added six points. Campbell kept Penn State in the game with eight points.

The Lady Lions shot 44.8 percent from the field and outrebounded Kansas, 38-32.

UP NEXT

Penn State travels to Minnesota for a Big Ten Conference tilt on Saturday, Dec. 28.