Leon Barmore walks away with a 520-77 coaching record.

Ten days ago, Louisiana Tech's coach announced he would retire when the Techsters' season ended. The retirement started earlier than some might have expected as second-seeded Penn State knocked off the top-seeded Techsters 86-65 Monday in the Midwest Championship.

Barmore leaves the game with an all-time record of 520-77 in 18 years at Tech. He became the fastest women's college basketball coach to reach 500 wins when the Lady Techsters defeated South Alabama, 90-33, January 10, in Barmore's 576th game. His winning percentage of .872 is the best of any major college basketball coach.

Barmore's exit was bittersweet. Although he failed to reach his 10th Final Four, Penn State coach Rene Portland finally earned her first trip after 24 years as a coach.

Said Barmore: "Execution of your offense and defense will get you a victory if you do it well. Penn State did that."

Lisa Shepherd scored 20 of her 25 points in the first half to put Penn State in control as the Lions survived the pressure defense of Tech guards Tamicha Jackson and Betty Lennox. Penn State built a 16-point halftime lead and dominated the play inside.

In the end, Penn State outrebounded the Lady Techsters 51-39, shot 54 percent (7-for-13) from 3-point range and frustrated Tech (31-3) with a zone defense.

Louisiana Tech is one of two teams to have competed in every NCAA Women's Basketball Tournaments. Barmore has been part of 10 NCAA Final Four trips as a head coach or assistant. Louisiana Tech won the 1982 and 1988 NCAA championships, after winning the 1981 AIAW title.