The streets of New York City are filled with artists, business people, and athletes all trying to make an impression on the Big Apple. To stand out in the bright lights and make a name for themselves. For Penn State basketball, a two-day trip the Barclays Center was a chance to prove to those watching and to themselves that they were fit for the stage. Facing St John’s on Friday night, the Nittany Lions didn’t wilt under the pressure
Penn State opened the first half like they had all season with hot shooting to take an early 8-4 lead. Both teams trades blows but the Nittany Lions relied on a smart team game, capitalizing on 8 first half turnovers by St John’s while turning the ball over only three times in the first 20 minutes of play.
Nittany Lion guard DJ Newbill was more than ready to bring his Philadelphia game to Brooklyn, scoring 17 points in the opening stanza going 7-of-8 from the field. Senior guard Tim Frazier took some big hits physically but showed his leadership abilities drawing fouls will dishing out four assists and adding 12 points.
The Red Storm led the rebounding edge at the break 22-14, including 7 on the offensive glass but settled for some poor shots and showed signs of a team with many talented parts still figuring out how to play together. Orlando Sanchez led the way with 7 points as several Red Storm players contributed to a free-flowing opening half.
