Altoona, Pa., Jan. 30, 2002 -- When State College, the fifth-ranked team in the state, managed just three field goals in the second half, it found another way to win its 16th game of the season.

The Lady Little Lions (16-2) posted a 66-53 victory at Altoona (8-9) by hitting 29 free throws including all 18 attempts in the vital fourth quarter.

"Altoona played a great game," State College coach Bethany Irwin said. "They caught us on a day when our offense wasn't working. Shooting free throws at the end really helped."

Altoona led 15-14 at the end of the first quarter then fell behind 38-26 at halftime. The key run for State College in the second quarter began when Liz Gabrielle and Nicole Scipione came off the bench and combined for nine straight points in a run of 14 straight. Altoona countered with three straight baskets by Tasha Stotler to narrow the margin to 31-26 but Suzy Carlson's two-pointer and two free throws wrapped around a trey from Katie Glusko sent State College into intermission with a 12-point advantage.

The third quarter belonged to Altoona as State College was held to one field goal and four free throws. Meanwhile the Lady Lions were firing on all cylinders thanks to five points from Jenna Burkett, four from Valerie Robuck, four from Stotler and two from Amanda Pierce.

Stotler connected again to open the fourth quarter and State College clung to a 46-43 advantage after Glusko sank a field goal with 5:28 still to play. State College did not score another field goal until 1:02 but the Lions simply did not miss from the free throw line making 18 in a row down the stretch.

The charity stripe contributors were Glusko who was 10 for 10, Rebecca Shore (2-2), Suzy Carlson (4-4) and Lisa Younkin (2-2).

Altoona sealed its fate with two turnovers and five fouls including disqualifying personals by Burkett and Casey McNellis in the last 1:15.

Carlson and Glusko led the Lady Little Lions with 19 points apiece.

Stotler took game scoring honors with 21 points getting support from Burkett who had 13 and Pierce with 10.

State College won its 11th straight game. Altoona lost its fourth in a row.

The Lady Little Lions are back in action Tuesday, Feb. 5 at Central Mountain. Altoona is home Friday with Martinsburg, W. Va.