Penn State Basketball: Fast Start, Strong Finish Lift Nittany Lions to 66-52 Win over Northwestern

By Kevin Wesley

The Nittany Lions simply could not afford to lose Thursday night. Good thing they were playing Northwestern.

Penn State continued its dominance over the Wildcats, getting 20 points from Jeff Brooks and a terrific all around night from Tim Frazier in a 66-52 victory in Evanston. Brooks, the versatile senior forward, shot eight of 10 from the field and added seven rebounds and three assists for Penn State (15-12, 8-8 Big Ten). Frazier, the improving sophomore point guard, added 10 points, 10 assists and four rebounds and hit all six of his free-throw attempts.

The win was essential for the Lions’ NCAA tournament hopes, and early on it looked like it might be easy. Penn State led 18-2 seven minutes into the game, but the Wildcats (16-11, 6-10) closed the deficit to three points just before halftime. Northwestern got within a point early in the second half but could get no closer, and a 9-0 Penn State run midway through the second half gave the Lions a cushion they wouldn’t lose.

Talor Battle finished with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, the latter of which made history: he’s just the tenth player in NCAA history (and first from a Big Ten school) to reach 2,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists in his career.

Penn State is back in action next Tuesday when No. 3 Ohio State visits the Bryce Jordan Center for the Lions’ final home game.

Earlier coverage

• Penn State Basketball: How the Nittany Lions’ Season Will End Is Anyone’s Guess (Feb. 21, 2011)