Penn State Basketball Rolls to 2-0 Start
After taking care of the Morgan State Bears behind the leadership and scoring of D.J. Newbill, the Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0, 0-0 B1G) were set to take on the Rams from Fordham. Both teams were 1-0 after Fordham handily beat the New York Institute of technology 94-77.
In the first half, the Rams started hot taking a 10-5 lead behind consecutive buckets from Eric Paschall and Eric Sengfelder. The Nittany Lions would answer with a 19-1 run taking a 24-11 lead.
“They came out with more energy and they jumped us, but fortunately we were able to bounce back,” said D.J. Newbill after the game.
Newbill hit a three and converted on a conventional three-point play, while Brandon Taylor hit all three of his shots from the field in the first half.
Fordham had success rebounding, but was unable to hit open shots.
“We got some good looks at times, but we just didn’t knock them down,” said Fordham head coach Tom Pecura. “Those open jumpers are precious and you just have to knock them down when you get them.”
The team shot under 20 percent in the first half (6-for-31) and trailed 38-21 at the break. Penn State closed the half on a 33-11 run.
The second half began with six straight points from Ross Travis, the last bucket coming off a rebound giving the Nittany Lions a 44-21 lead.
John Johnson provided some much needed bench support converting on 7-11 from the floor. Freshman Shep Garner built off a strong debut knocking down 4-8 three point attempts.
“He has become a (Dwayne) Wade and you have to pick your poison because he’s not just a catch and shoot guy anymore,” said Pecora of Johnson.
The Rams were paced by Sengfelder who went 3-for-6 with 10 points and Mandell Thomas' 3-for-6 eight point second half, but failed to make a run into the large deficit.
Fordham spent much of the latter portion of the game pressing the Nittany Lions full-court. Newbill split the press and converted an and-one opportunity to push Penn State’s lead to 71-49 with 3:11 remaining.
“When you hear us talking early and often, man we’re really good and now you’re about to be the best defense in the Big Ten” said Penn State head coach Pat Chambers.
The game ended with Penn State on top 73-54. They need to improve, but are happy with two dominating victories to open the season.
Chambers said of his team, “We’re still a work in progress and we could be a whole lot better, especially rebounding, but a ton of positives from today and I feel like we were consistent throughout.”
Mike Carnuccio is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mikeyc48@gmail.com.
