Penn State men’s basketball team improved to 8-1 on the year Saturday night thanks to late free throws and a solid defensive effort on the glass, upending Marshall 73-69.
Penn State got considerable scoring from various players including a trio of 17 point scorers coupled and a 9 rebound effort from Ross Travis in the paint.
The victory gives Penn State its best start in 14 years.
How It Happened:
The Nittany Lions overcame a bumpy start to the game with Marshall going up 8-2 early in the contest. Penn State made up for the slow start thanks to strong defense that held the Thundering Herd to 26% first half shooting. Penn State took an 8 point lead with 1:17 to go in the opening frame. At halftime it was 31-24.
From there it was Penn State dominating play in the second half but fouls and three point plays kept Marshall close despite a 13 point Penn State lead early in the second half. Marshall would cut a 10 point lead in half in just 61 seconds with 2:23 to play and things would get a lot more stressful for the Nittany Lions.
A critical turnover by DJ Newbill gave Marshall the ball back and a foul by Brandon Taylor sent Marshall to the line going 1-for-1 to bring Penn State’s lead down to a single point at 66-65. The Thundering Herd couldn’t finish off the comeback though and Penn State’s free throws and baskets along the way preserved the victory.
It Was Over When:
Two free throws by DJ Newbill put Penn State up by 4 with three seconds to play and with little time to close that gap Marshall walked away from the game with a loss and an incomplete comeback.
Stats Of The Game:
Brandon Taylor shared the team lead in points (17) for the first time since Dec. 31 last season Michigan State (18).
John Johnson shared the team lead in points (17) for the first time since Jan. 4 last season against Illinois (18).
With 17 points, Newbill now has 1,318 career points at Penn State, taking over the point-scoring record for players to spend just three years in the Blue and White, as well as the No. 14 spot all-time from John Amaechi (1,310; 1993-95). Newbill needs 11 to move into 13th-place with Ed Fogell (1,329; 1986-90).
Penn State’s 8-1 start is the program’s best since the 2000-01 season.
Penn State played a strong game on the glass with 46-35 rebounding margin with 11 offensive boards.
Player Of The Game:
John Johnson was a solid 4-of-7 from the field and 7-of-12 from the stripe for a 17 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal. Both Brandon Taylor and DJ Newbill scored 17 points as well, but Taylor’s 7-of-16 shooting and Newbill’s 4 turnovers give Johnson the nod on this particular honor.
What’s Up Next:
Penn State returns home Wednesday for a 9 p.m. tip against Duquesne at the Bryce Jordan Center.
