HARTFORD, Conn., March 27 (UPI) -- Jessica Brungo scored 20 points Saturday to lead top-seeded Penn State over fifth-seeded Notre Dame, 55-49, in the NCAA women's basketball tournament.
Brungo, who had managed just nine points through the first two games of the tournament, capped a 10-2 run for the Lady Lions (28-5) by making two free throws with 13 seconds left. The victory sends Penn State to the East Regional finals.
Penn State led at halftime, 23-22, thanks to Brungo's steal and layup in the closing seconds.
Kelly Mazzante was clutch down the stretch. A first-team All-American, Mazzante hit an eight-foot runner with 46 seconds left to give Penn State a 51-49 lead. On the ensuing possesion for the Irish, she came up with one of her three steals.
Jacqueline Batteast scored 14 of her 22 points in the second half for Notre Dame (21-11).
