Penn puts away Marian Catholic

In a game full of runs, it was one that Indiana power Penn had in the middle of the fourth quarter that broke open a two-point game Saturday against Marian Catholic in the Chitown Showdown at Young.

Up 46-44 with six minutes remaining in the game, Penn went on a game-ending 11-4 run to earn a 57-48 win over the Spartans in the Chitown Showdown at Young Saturday afternoon.

“We like playing teams like this because we get to experience new styles of play,’’ said Penn’s Alex Morton, who had seven points in the closing run. “It’s a lot more physical than we are use to seeing.’’

It was evident that the two teams were evenly matched, as neither team was able to get more than a six-point lead in the first half. Penn’s 29-23 lead at the break was the biggest one of the half.

After Marian Catholic scored on its first possession, Penn (9-0) got off to its own quick start of the second half, scoring 12 consecutive points and not even allowing the Spartans (5-3) to get off another shot until midway through the third quarter.  The Kingsmen caused five straight turnovers, including four consecutive steals.  Penn forced Marian Catholic into 21 turnovers on the afternoon, including 13 steals

“We’re a young team and the pressure got to us,’’ said Marian junior Megan Walsh.  “The younger players are coming along though.’’

“Coach said that we just have to relax and feed off each other. We had too many unforced turnovers and need to communicate better.’’

The Western-Michigan bound Morton and Caroline Buhr each had 18 points to lead Penn, the top-ranked big-school team in Indiana. Walsh had a game-high 20 points for the No. 19 Spartans.

“There are teams like that in Indiana that we’re going to face eventually so playing a team like this was good for us,’’ said Penn coach Kristi Kanielewski.  “Pretty much everything goes up here, so unless it’s a blatant foul, you need to be tough.’’