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[ Monday, Jan. 10, 2000 ]
Garner leads PSU against Florida
By Gwenn Miller
At 6 feet 3 inches, the slender Andrea Garner is not the perfect specimen of a Div. I center.
Rather than overpowering her opponents with brute strength, the Penn State center relies on finesse. Instead of playing with the inside force of the WNBA's Rebecca Lobo, Garner's style is comparable to that of Lisa Leslie and her shooter's touch.
But her physical makeup never seemed to be a detriment to her play, which was evident in Saturday's performance in No. 6 Penn State's 91-67 win against Florida.
Garner used her offensive finesse to score 21 points and her quick feet to secure an inside position and grab 14 rebounds. With those numbers, she posted her sixth double-double of the season and the 36th of her career.
"I got myself to open spots and fortunately my teammates saw me open and I hit some shots," Garner said.
She established herself as the dominant inside player Saturday, but Garner also proved she is well on her way to doing the same in the Lady Lions record books.
Collegian Staff Writer
PHOTO: Colin Gillette/Collegian
Andrea Garner defends against the Florida offense.
She now occupies the 10th spot for all-time scoring. After rejecting three Lady Gators shots, she moved into third on the all-time block list.
The Gators had no answer for Garner in any aspect of the game. Despite her size disadvantage in the frontcourt, she emerged as the victor on several loose balls and tough rebounds. She also set screens and saw open players to help her teammates' offensive efforts.
Florida women's basketball coach Carol Ross said she had no idea why Garner was open on so many occasions, but said the Gators' failed game plan had something to do with it.
"We intended to guard people and that didn't work," Ross said. "Anytime you have a terrific point guard and a terrific post, good things are going to happen."
But Garner's basketball skills aren't the only reason Ross was frustrated and Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland is elated with her senior center.
"I just think she is taking her leadership to another level," Portland said. "You can just see her talking more and people are very aware of what she does for herself, but also her teammates."
As Garner wandered into the media room following the win, it was quite obvious exactly what she was sacrificing to elevate both her own game and that of her teammates. A bag of ice was taped to her right ankle and also on her left knee, and at certain times in the game, she limped to the sidelines.
But Garner wasn't concerned. After all, the Lions just won their eighth straight game and defeated defending-national champion Purdue at West Lafayette, Ind., last Thursday.
"Well, you know, I'm getting old," Garner said with a chuckle. "I just turned 21, so the aches and pains are starting to come out, but I'll be fine."
