BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The Indiana Hoosiers women’s basketball team delivered a statement victory on Saturday, February 28, 2026, dismantling the Penn State Lady Lions 93-59 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The regular-season finale saw the Hoosiers overwhelm their Big Ten rivals from the opening tip, effectively halting Penn State’s late-season momentum.
The Lady Lions (11-17, 4-13 Big Ten) entered the contest riding a season-high three-game winning streak, but they proved no match for Indiana’s offensive efficiency. Freshman forward Maya Makalusky and senior guard Shay Ciezki led the charge for the Hoosiers, who secured the 34-point victory to solidify their positioning heading into the Big Ten Tournament.
Historical Context: A One-Sided Rivalry
While the basketball programs continue their seasonal battles, the broader athletic history between these two institutions remains heavily tilted in favor of the Nittany Lions, particularly on the gridiron. According to all-time series data:
- Football Dominance: Penn State holds a commanding 25-3 all-time record against Indiana.
- Recent Shifts: While Penn State won 16 consecutive games to start the series in 1993, Indiana has become more competitive in the last decade, including a historic first-ever win at Beaver Stadium in November 2025.
- National Impact: The Indiana football program is coming off a monumental 2025 season where they shocked the sports world by claiming a national title in January 2026.
Multi-Sport Action: Baseball and Men’s Basketball
The “Penn State vs. Indiana” weekend extended beyond the hardwood in Bloomington. In Nassau, Bahamas, the Penn State baseball team faced off against Indiana State in a three-game series. On Friday, February 27, the Sycamores defeated the Nittany Lions 8-5, fueled by a four-run ninth inning and a stellar relief performance by Jack Armstrong.
Meanwhile, the Penn State men’s basketball team found success at home on Saturday, narrowly defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 71-69 at the Bryce Jordan Center. This victory provided a bright spot for the Nittany Lion faithful as the university prepares for the Big Ten Wrestling Championships, scheduled to take place in State College on March 7-8.
Looking Ahead to the Postseason
With the regular season concluded for women’s basketball, both teams turn their attention to the Big Ten Tournament. Indiana’s dominant performance on Saturday suggests they are a formidable contender for the conference title, while Penn State will look to recapture the form that led to their recent three-game surge.
Off the field, the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is currently underway, with nine former Penn State football players, including quarterback Drew Allar, showcasing their skills for professional scouts as they prepare for the upcoming draft.