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| Wednesday, March 22 | |||||
When the NCAA Tournament resumes Saturday, the Iowa State-Penn State matchup is easily one of the most anticipated games in the Sweet 16.
Both teams are solid inside the paint and out, and have each won more than 25 games this season. So what's Penn State's scouting report on the Cyclones? "Iowa State is a great shooting team and it's going to be a great matchup," said Penn State senior Andrea Garner, who stopped by to chat with ESPN.com on March 22. "We both have good inside play, but the players who shoot the best will come out on top." If you missed Garner's chat, check out the edited transcript below. Then make sure to tune in to ESPN2 at 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday to see the game. Jason: How have you overcome adversity over the past years from just being in the NIT to making the NCAA Tournament? I play hockey for PSU and I have to overcome adversity of being called too small, so I was wondering what you have done. Andrea Garner: It helps when you have a lot of support from your family and teammates. That helps push the process along in getting to where you want to be. PSUDAVE: Dre, What has playing with Helen Darling for four years meant to you? Good luck in the tournament and let's get the Lady Lions in Philly! Andrea Garner: Helen is a hard worker and someone you always want on your team. She always gives 100 percent. It helps that we are friends off the court, which makes everything that much better. Sal: Andrea, being from Philly, I must ask you what Cheese steak place is better - Gino's or Pats? Andrea Garner: Neither. You have go to The Corner Store. Erik Aldrich: Andrea, What are the keys to success for Penn State to make the Final Four? Andrea Garner: Staying focused and believing in each other. There has to be some luck and some good shooting from everyone. Bradley: How do you think the Lady Lions will play this weekend in a very crucial game against Iowa State? Good Luck and hopefully I'll be seeing you in Philly! Andrea Garner: Iowa St. is a great shooting team. It's going to be a great matchup. We both have good inside play and they players that shoot the best will come out on top. Doug Dzurko: Andrea, I think Penn State is the best team in the nation. Do you feel nervous from the tension that is building up for the game Saturday? GOOD LUCK ANDREA AND THE NITTANY LIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Andrea Garner: No. Not at all. The way some people are talking, it's like we are the underdog. I don't feel any pressure. To me it is just another game. We just have to go out there and play like it is the regular season. Doug: I know your mind is on the games ahead of you, but what are your plans after college? Will we see you in the WNBA? Andrea Garner: That's not all up to me. Hopefully I will be playing in the summertime. That is a goal I have. I have some job opportunities out there. I graduate in May so we will find out. Lion Fan: During your games, you have a different hairstyle almost every time. Should you make the Final Four, do you have a special style prepared for that? Andrea Garner: The person that does my hair is coming up with something different this weekend. I'm just leaving it up to her. It will be wild, I can guarantee that. Costas: How do you prepare yourself mentally before game time? Andrea Garner: There's no real ritual. I just make sure I'm well rested. I have to get a nap in to get my energy up. That's about it. Brendan McCarthy: How do you like the Penn State atmosphere? And how do you like playing at a place so into college sports? Andrea Garner: It's very different than the city. It's very relaxing up here and very quiet. If you want to go out and party you can but you can also just relax. I personally like it. Adam Strouse: Andrea, the women's basketball program was not doing well at State College when you arrived. Looking back, can you name some pivotal games or moments that have helped the Lady Lions get to the point where you are now? Andrea Garner: I guess there was really no one game. After my freshman year, the people that stayed just set a goal to never end up again like we did that year. Adam Strouse: What can you say about Rene Portland and her influence on you and women's basketball? Andrea Garner: We have gone through everything from not getting along at all to having a fond respect of each other and each others talent. She has made a difference by being more open to suggestions and just being more relaxed and confident. Dewer 4: Have you bought any new CDs for the trip? Andrea Garner: Kansas City Here We Come. That's the song that everyone has been playing. I'm sure that will be on the game tape. Donna Garner: What is your most memorable basketball achievement while playing for Penn State? Andrea Garner: Hopefully that hasn't come yet. Hopefully the National Championship will be the most memorable. The run we made my sophomore year, winning the NIT and the MVP, was probably my most memorable. NitLion22: Andrea: What team and/or matchup gave you the hardest time this season? Why doesn't Penn State basketball get the respect it deserves, and would you rather have an ice cream cone from the Creamery, or a grilled sticky bun from the College Diner? Andrea Garner: Probably Connecticut. They have a great team, a balance of an inside and outside attack. Now we are better prepared and ready for what they will bring. Hopefully we will come out victorious if we play them again. I would rather have ice cream from the Creamery! JAKE: ANDREA, Congrats on your award! What would you say about Penn State, the coach, staff, facilities, alumni, etc. to students/athletes considering attending PSU. GO LIONS! and Good Luck! Andrea Garner: I think we definitely have some of the best facilities and coaching staffs that there are. There are a whole lot of gyms that we have access to, tennis courts, weight rooms, just about anything. Everything that the men have we have. The locker rooms are identical. We get great treatment here. Ronald: Hey Andrea do you think anybody can beat UConn? And do you look forward to playing them or would you rather they lose to somebody? Andrea Garner: We look forward to playing them. All the teams we lose to, we want to play again. We hope to meet up with La Tech again. If we get past them, UConn is next. The first game I guess we had jitters but we are excited and ready to play.
Thank you to everyone who wrote in and have been following Penn St. basketball. We appreciate your
support and are looking forward to a great matchup on Saturday!
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