Now both feet are in the door. Welcome to the dance Lady Lions.

Last night at the Bryce Jordan Center, the No. 14 Penn State women's basketball team beat No. 20 Mississippi State in the semi-final round of the preseason Women's National Invitation Tournament, 82-66 to move on to the finals against No. 3 Kansas State on Sunday.

The game was a showcase for two of the nation's top players, Penn State's Kelly Mazzante and Mississippi State's LaToya Thomas, last season's No. 1 and No. 2 leaders in points per game, respectively.

However, Mazzante led all scorers with 36, while Thomas finished second on her team with 19.

"The thing about a Penn State team is that they play well together," Mississippi State women's basketball coach Sharon Fanning said. "I give credit to their execution. I think you have a lot of character on that team."

Going into the second half, Penn State was only up by four points, the team's smallest lead after one half of play all tournament. Once the final 20 minutes started, the Lady Lions jumped out to score 20 points in eight minutes. They never looked back.

"It usually takes one big shot for us all to get fired up," Mazzante said.

The difference in the game was in the hands of the defense, who were in charge of handling the strong offensive presence of Thomas. One player who was integral in shutting her down was center Ashli Schwab.

"I wanted to force her into [using] the help," she said. "I think she got a little bit frustrated at times."

Schwab also posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

"If I had a game ball, I would give it to Ashli," Penn State women's basketball coach Renee Portland said. "She played a big time-all time."

The overriding sentiment of the night for the Lady Lions was the importance of winning at home, and they did just that. During the team's postgame press conference, players dawned figurines of the BJC symbolizing the significance of a home court victory.

"I think our team understands what it means to win at home," Portland said.

Despite the win at home, the Lady Lions will travel to Manhattan, Kan. for the finals of the WNIT.

Kansas State moved on to the finals last night by defeating Southern California 73-61. The home court advantage will be in favor of the Wildcats because they out-drew Penn State in attendance. According to WNIT stipulations, the team that has higher home attendance will host.