In a game that had a little bit of everything, including some stellar defensive play, hot and cold shooting and lead changes, Penn State’s basketball team managed to beat Virginia Tech 61-58 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
The game, played at the BJC Wednesday night, started out with both teams missing shots early.
How It Happened:
Penn State struggled to get going as the Hokies pressured DJ Newbill in the opening 20 minutes. An early plague of turnovers by Penn State made up for Virginia Tech’s dismal shooting. The Hokies held a 7 point lead with 10:38 to play in the half.
The Nittany Lions cut into that deficit quickly but Virginia Tech pushed it back to 6 points with just over four minutes to play in the half. From there Newbill began to find his game and would help Penn State to take a 30-27 lead into halftime with a layup as time expired.
A cold start to open the second half only continued the defensive battle with Penn State and Virginia Tech both looking to find and hold the lead. The Hokies took an 8 point lead with 11:39 to play but a 16-2 run put Penn State ahead for good with the Nittany Lions leading by as many as 9 points with 4:11 to play in regulation.
Missed free throws by Penn State and made shots by Virginia Tech made things interesting but the Hokies never took the lead after giving up their 8 point margin despite a final second three point shot that would have tied the game at the buzzer.
It Was Over When:
A three at the buzzer didn’t fall for Virginia Tech saving Penn State from its second overtime game of the season, sending home the Nittany Lions with a 7-1 record and another close win.
Stats Of The Game:
Penn State committed 17 turnovers, many in the first half. Gene Thorpe and Ross Travis led the Nittany Lions with three each.
DJ Newbill had 13 second half points to lead Penn State with 18 for the game. Newbill was 6-of-14 from the floor with 4 rebounds and 1 steal.
Ross Travis had 10 rebounds on the night. Penn State had a 47-38 edge in rebounding.
After falling behind by 8 points Penn State went on a 16-2 run to take the lead.
Player Of The Game:
DJ Newbill’s 18 points snapped his streak of five games with 20 or more and while he wasn’t as could as he can be, Newbill showed up right when Penn State needed him in the second half. Eighteen points and 4 rebounds was solid but 5-of-9 from the stripe including two late misses makes this night one to remember — and one to forget — for Penn State’s star guard.
Ross Travis’ 10 rebounds are worth an honorable mention. Shep Garner’s 13 points were also key in the contest.
What’s Next:
Penn State heads on the road this weekend for a meeting at Marshall with a 6 p.m. tip on Saturday.
Popular Stories:
Penn State Hockey: Six Additional Games Set For Televised Broadcast This Season
Penn State Basketball: Newbill Focused On Present Not Past
Penn State Basketball: Newbill Picks Up Big Ten Player Of The Week Honors
Penn State Football: Attendance Total Fifth Best Nationally For 2014
Two Men Charged In Connection With String of Package Thefts
School District Stuggles to Resolve Parking Dilemma Before Looming Deadline
Corman Blasts NCAA in New Court Filing, Releases Hundreds of Pages of Emails
Paterno Estate Defends Against NCAA Objections in New Court Documents
NCAA Wants to Continue Legal Fight in Federal Court
Clerk Raped at Rockview Prison Agrees to $3.3 Million Settlement
