Full Team Effort Lifts Newbill, Nittany Lions

Story posted January 29, 2015 in CommRadio, Sports by Michael Carnuccio

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-9, 2-7 B1G) fell just short 63-58 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (14-7, 2-6 B1G) at the Bryce Jordan Center on Wednesday night.

Both teams were coming off Big Ten victories and needed a win to keep the momentum. With 46.3 seconds remaining, Minnesota trailed by only four, 56-52, with a chance to strike.

They put the ball in the hands of their go-to guard Andre Hollins, who finished the game with 17 points, but he turned it over inside the paint, leading to Nittany Lion free throws.

Although Penn State struggled to close the game out from the line (3-6 in closing minutes), 15 turnovers from their Big Ten foe secured the victory.

Minnesota coach Richard Pitino said this of his teams play, “We didn’t deserve to win tonight. This was sloppy, sloppy offensive basketball.”

Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions’ star point guard, D. J. Newbill, played one of his worst games of the season, finishing with 12 points and 6 turnovers. He finished 4-15 shooting and was forced to drive to the bucket to score points.

“Coach pulled me to the side and told me to drive a little more” said Newbill. “Just stay aggressive and keep attacking." 

Newbill would score ten of Penn State’s final 14 points, giving them a boost in the remaining minutes. The team rallied around him, shooting 48 percent from the field, while the big men played their part with nine blocks to secure the much needed win.

As speculated, Minnesota initiated the full court press just two and a half minutes into the game.

“Coach said they were going to press us all game, to find the open man and attack the basket,” said guard Devin Foster.

That’s what the Nittany Lions attempted to do against the number two ranked team in the nation in steals. Turnovers by the Penn State backcourt kept the Golden Gophers close early. 

Andre Hollins converted on two three-pointers off Penn State turnovers, giving Minnesota an 18-15 lead with 9:50 remaining in the first half.

However, the Nittany Lion’s bench started an 18-2 run toward the end of the half. Payton Banks, the redshirt freshman forward, hit three shots from deep, extending the lead. Banks would finish with nine points.

“I was really excited about our team stepping up for D. J.” said coach Chambers.

The Golden Gophers created nine second-half turnovers to spark a comeback, dishing out 16 total assists. Hollins would nail one of his four three’s, giving Minnesota the lead, 46-45, with under 10 minutes remaining. 

Newbill said of their press, “That’s what they do, they got some quick guys and you really can’t prepare for it in practice.”

However, Penn State kept fighting, receiving much needed help from their big men.

“Ross Travis and Jordan Dickerson did some really good things down the stretch there,” said Chambers.

Dickerson and Jack combined for seven blocks in the game, both season highs.

Throughout the contest, Minnesota was as sloppy as Penn State on the offensive end. They especially struggled controlling the ball down the stretch.

“When you turn the ball over 16 times, it’s difficult to win,” continued Pitino. “We’ve got to learn from our mistakes and get better.”

The Nittany Lions travel to Champaign on Saturday to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. Tip is set for 1 p.m. from the State Farm Center.

Michael Carnuccio is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mikeyc48@gmail.com.