Game Grades: Nebraska
Penn State picked up its first road win in conference play this season with an 86-83 win against Nebraska. Myreon Jones led the Nittany Lions with 29 points, and all five starters scored in double figures. Nebraska received 41 points from guard Teddy Allen, and the Cornhuskers knocked down 12 3-pointers in the game. Penn State ended its four-game losing streak, so let’s grade their performance in their big win.
Offense: A
Penn State exploded on offense in the 86-83 win. The Nittany Lions knocked down 14 3-pointers—a season high—and were 16 of 19 from the free-throw line. Myreon Jones led the way with 29, but the Nittany Lions also received big performances from Myles Dread and Jamari Wheeler. John Harrar also contributed, grabbing eight offensive rebounds in the win.
Penn State also made Nebraska pay for its mistakes, scoring a lot of points off Nebraska turnovers. The Nittany Lions were also effective in the second half—a frame where they have struggled a lot this season—getting a lot of great shots to pull ahead.
Defense: C
Penn State won but allowed 83 points total and 41 to Teddy Allen. The Nittany Lions never really adjusted to Allen’s scoring outburst, allowing him to get whatever shot he wanted. Penn State also gave up a lot of open 3’s, allowing the Cornhuskers to shoot 12 of 25 from deep.
The Nittany Lions did force 18 turnovers and had 14 steals. They got in the passing lane and forced Nebraska into a lot of mistakes, more often than not turning those mistakes into points.
The Nittany Lions also controlled the glass in the win, out-rebounding the Cornhuskers by 13. They also did a great job finishing possessions, allowing only two offensive rebounds. Penn State’s defense was far from perfect in the win, but it did enough late to pull it out.
Coaching: B-
Jim Ferry made some great adjustments from the previous games and got Myreon Jones going in a big way. Penn State’s coaching staff also did a great job stopping runs by Nebraska in the second half, allowing the team to keep the lead for most of the frame.
Penn State did not make a lot of defensive adjustments, however, which allowed Nebraska to stay in the game, giving them the ball with a chance to tie the game late. The Nittany Lions never truly committed to stopping Teddy Allen, as the ball found its way into his hands too many times for Penn State to be comfortable.
Ferry was not perfect, but he put Penn State in the position to win the game, and the players executed well enough to escape Lincoln with a win.
Penn State picked up its first win since Feb. 5 and will look to keep its momentum going on Friday; the Nittany Lions will welcome Purdue into the Bryce Jordan Center.
Adam Sheetz is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ads360@psu.edu.
