GLEN ALLEN, Va. – Richmond defeated Penn State 70-54 in the second game of the 4 Tha Culture Holiday Classic on December 21, 2025, showcasing a dominant performance that dropped the Lady Lions to 7-5 overall.
Spiders Soar Past Penn State in Holiday Classic Clash
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Richmond’s strong offensive showing and defensive pressure proved too much for Penn State, handing them a decisive loss in Virginia.
- Redshirt junior Gracie Merkle and freshman Tèa Clèante both scored in double figures for Penn State.
- Richmond’s consistent scoring and rebounding proved pivotal in securing the victory.
- Penn State continued its streak of out-rebounding opponents, despite the loss.
- Senior Maggie Mendelson made her first start as a Lady Lion and contributed key three-pointers.
The game saw Richmond establish an early lead, capitalizing on Penn State turnovers. The Spiders’ aggressive play and efficient shooting set the tone for the contest, ultimately leading to a 70-54 victory. This result brings Richmond’s record to 11-3, while Penn State falls to 7-5.
First Quarter Struggles
Early turnovers plagued Penn State, allowing Richmond to jump out to a 4-0 lead. PSU’s Shay McMiller responded with a mid-range jumper, and later drove to the basket, narrowing the gap to 5-4. However, Richmond quickly answered with a three-pointer, regaining a four-point advantage. Both teams struggled with ball control following a media timeout, but Richmond capitalized with a five-point run. McMiller continued to be a bright spot for the Lady Lions, scoring six of their eight first-quarter points. The quarter concluded with Richmond leading 19-14.
Second Quarter Seesaw
The second quarter saw both teams struggle to find offensive rhythm. Richmond extended their lead to 22-14 before Viktoria Ranisavljevic drained a three-pointer for Penn State. Richmond immediately responded, and a pair of Lady Lion miscues led to a 26-17 Spider advantage. Back-to-back three-pointers from Penn State were briefly answered by Richmond free throws. Tèa Clèante and Maggie Mendelson each connected from beyond the arc, bringing the score to 28-23. Richmond finished the quarter strong, leading 36-25.
Spiders Pull Away in the Third
Richmond opened the third quarter with a three-pointer, extending their lead. A wrap-around pass from Ranisavljevic to Clèante couldn’t spark a significant rally. Richmond converted a three-pointer off a steal, and later added a three-point play to build a 16-point edge. The Spiders ballooned their lead to 49-29 as Penn State’s offense faltered. A layup from Gracie Merkle provided a brief spark, but Richmond quickly matched it. Vitória Santana hit a three-pointer off a pass from Mendelson, cutting the margin to 51-34, and Mendelson followed with a three of her own. The quarter ended with Richmond ahead 56-41.
Fourth Quarter Finish
The final quarter saw both teams exchange points. A three-point play gave the Spiders an 18-point advantage. Clèante surpassed the double-digit scoring mark, and a pass to Merkle briefly narrowed the gap to 14, but Richmond responded. Merkle secured offensive rebounds for put-back baskets, but a scoreless stretch for both teams followed. Merkle earned a trip to the free-throw line, reducing the deficit to 63-50. Richmond then scored five straight points, extending their lead. Merkle added two more put-back baskets in the final minute, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Richmond’s lead, finalizing the 70-54 victory.
Postgame Notes
Penn State vs. Richmond
December 21, 2025
Henrico Sports & Events Center (Glen Allen, Va.)
- Gracie Merkle has scored in double figures in 11 of 12 games this season.
- Tèa Clèante recorded her fifth outing reaching double-digit scoring.
- Penn State out-rebounded its opponent for the 10th consecutive game.
- Maggie Mendelson made her first start as a Lady Lion and contributed her first career three-pointers.
