PHILADELPHIA – After storming through its opening two games, piling up wins of 48 and 34 points, respectively, the University of Pennsylvania women's basketball team attempts to start 3-0 for the first time in program history against Iona at The Palestra on Sunday afternoon. Tip is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Catching the Game: ESPN+
Sunday's game can be watched live on ESPN+ as part of the Ivy League's partnership with ESPN. In-game Twitter updates and video can be found at @PennWBB. A complete recap, box score and highlights can be found on PennAthletics.com shortly after the conclusion of the game.
Last Time Out: W, 85-51 at NJIT (Nov. 13, 2019) | Recap | Box Score
- Penn moved to 2-0 for the first time since 2011-12 with a comfortable win at NJIT's Wellness and Events Center on Wednesday night.
- The Quakers tallied 27 assists, tied for the most in a game since Coach Mike McLaughlin took over.
- The Red and Blue scored 20 fast break points to the Highlanders' 0.
- Kayla Padilla scored a game-high 25, the most by a freshman since Eleah Parker poured in 25 against Villanova on Jan. 17, 2018. Padilla knocked down five 3-pointers, dished four assists and snagged three rebounds. Parker racked up 19 herself on 9-for-12 shooting with nine boards, including five on the offensive end, and two blocked shots.
- Kendall Grasela slung a career-high nine assists compared to committing just one turnover.
- Emily Anderson enjoyed a career night, scoring 11 points on 5-for-5 shooting.
Padilla's Historic Start
After a game-high 25 points against NJIT on Wednesday, freshman Kayla Padilla became the first Quaker to hit that number in one of her first two games since Diana Caramanico scored 26 in her debut in 1997-98. Paired with her 14-point game against Siena to begin the season, Padilla's 39 points through two games is the most by a freshman at Penn since Kirsten Brendel scored 54 in 1987-88.
Offensive Eruption
Penn's 177 points through the first two games are the most to start the season in program history. In the season-opening win over Siena, Penn racked up 92 points - the most since defeating Yale in overtime, 92-80, on Feb. 2, 2001 and the most in a regulation game since a 92-82 win over Princeton on Jan. 8, 2000. At the halftime break, the Quakers put 57 on the board, the most under Coach Mike McLaughlin and Penn scored 30 in the first quarter, the third-most in a period all-time.
Kendall Running The Show
This season, despite scoring just three points, Grasela has impacted the first two games in a variety of ways. Against NJIT on Wednesday, the senior guard dished out a career-high nine assists with just a single turnover. Last year, Grasela finished with a 2.2 assist/turnover ratio, the third-best mark in the Ivy League. Thus far, she is tied for second for assists per game, tied for third in steals per game and fourth in assist/turnover ratio.
Bench Bonanza
Through two games, Penn's bench has outscored its opponents 72-20, including a 45-2 outburst against Siena. Mia Lakstigala crushed the Saints for 18 points and Michae Jones added 10 more. On Wednesday at NJIT, Emily Anderson was a perfect 5-for-5 from the field for 11 points.
Scouting the Gaels
Iona is on a quick turnaround and enters University City having just taken on Duquesne Friday night. The Gaels' fourth-quarter comeback fell short, dropping a 76-74 decision despite outscoring the Dukes 26-16 in the final period. Sitting at 1-1, Iona opened the season with a 68-61 triumph over Winthrop behind 22 points from Shyan Mwai and another 21 from Morgan Rachu. Rachu comes to The Palestra averaging a team-high 20.5 ppg; Mwai scores 19.5 ppg; and Tori Lesko bangs the boards for 9.5 per game.
Against the MAAC
In the season opener, Penn improved to 7-2 againt current members of the MAAC with a 92-44 win over Siena. The Quakers have only played the Saints and Gaels and are rolling with six consecutive victories over the league.
Up Next
The Quakers begin Big 5 play on Wednesday, Nov. 20, making the short trip to Saint Joseph's for a 7 p.m. start.
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