Game Preview: Men’s Basketball vs. Rutgers

Audio/Story posted February 26, 2020 in CommRadio, Sports by Sports Staff

Host Andre Magaro, alongside analysts Preston Shoemaker, DJ Bauer, Jake Starr and Andrew Destin, with special appearances by David Hadar, Connor Griffin and Ethan Cook, preview the upcoming matchup between Penn State and Rutgers: 

After suffering back to back losses to unranked opponents, Penn State will look to bounce back at home against Rutgers. After dropping games to Illinois and Indiana, Penn State will have to take down a team that has already gotten the best of it once this season.

Back on Track

Penn State concluded the past week by dropping both of its games and its inability to consistently score in the first half played a huge factor. The Nittany Lions were outscored by a total of 17 points in the last two contests combined.

In order to get back in the win column, the Nittany Lions will need some of their perimeter shooters to find their stroke again.

Myles Dread was expected to step up in the absence of Myreon Jones. Recently, it has been his inconsistency that has hurt Pat Chamber’s offense. In his last two games, Dread has shot 3-of-16 from beyond the arc. In order to get back on track, the Nittany Lions will need him to improve find from past the 3-point line

Rankings Update

After being ranked ninth in the nation, Penn State dropped seven spots to No. 16.

The Nittany Lions will have their work cut out for them if they want to climb back up the rankings. Their next three games in particular will be challenging. After Rutgers, they will have to take on Iowa and Michigan State. Both are top teams not only in the conference, but in the nation as well.

Penn State’s upcoming schedule should tell a lot about what kind of team it really is and how big of a threat it truly is when it comes time for NCAA Tournament play.                                         

Myreon Jones

Jones has been Penn State’s most consistent shooter this season. He is currently averaging over 14 points per game and is shooting 41% from three-point range.

The sophomore guard has missed the last five games. He was listed as a game-time decision for Penn State's previous game against Indiana before he was ultimately ruled out. It was only a matter of time before Jones’ absence from the court caught up to the Nittany Lions.

If he can play Wednesday, his services will be a much welcomed addition and could be key to a Penn State victory.

Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights have also dropped their last two games. Both losses came at the hand of conference opponents.

When playing away from its home court, Rutgers is 1-7, which is not ideal when traveling to the Bryce Jordan Center to play a team that thrives at home.

Final Analysis

Penn State needs to get back in the win column. In order to do so it will need its perimeter shooters to make shots. Recently, Penn State has not had a consistent scorer outside of Lamar Stevens.

Rutgers will not make it easy on the Nittany Lions. In their only matchup to this point in the season, the Scarlet Knights came out on top, due in large part to their ability to contain Penn State’s shooters. They shot 6-of-25 from long range. Five of those six made attempts came from Myreon Jones.

Prediction: Penn State 82, Rutgers 73

 

Ben Serfass is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email bxs1001@psu.edu.