Penn State Falls to Wisconsin in Big Ten Opener

Story posted January 6, 2013 in CommRadio, Sports by Josiah Bates

The Nittany Lions (8-5) played their Big Ten opener Thursday night at Wisconsin (10-4) where they fell 60-51.

Despite shooting 46 percent from the field and holding the Badgers to 38 percent field goal shooting, Penn State couldn’t get ahead due to the Badgers limited number of turnovers and their half ending runs. Penn State only took one free throw opposed to Wisconsin who took 26.

The first half was dominated by defense. By the 10:25 mark the score was just 12-10 in favor of Penn State. Jermaine Marshall started the half 4-4 from the field and ended with a game high 19 points. With 7:03 left in the first half Penn State had a narrow 16-14 lead. The Badgers would end the half on a 15-2 run and take a 29-18 lead into half. Penn State shot 37 percent in the first half while the Badgers shot 35 percent.

Wisconsin was looking to pull away from Penn State in the second half and would jump out to a 34-20 lead at the start of the second half. Despite facing a double digit deficit Penn State would show its resilience. The Nittany Lions would go on several runs cutting into the Badger lead. These runs were lead by DJ Newbill who scored 8 of his 12 points in the second half. Early in the second half, Penn State would go on a 9-0 run cutting the Badgers lead to four, 40-36. The Badgers would get momentum back and pull away with a 49-40 lead. Penn State once again went on a run. They scored 7 straight points to make it a 2 points game at 49-47. Then after a jumper by Jermaine Marshall the Lions would be within 1, at 50-49.

Unfortunately for Penn State, Wisconsin would end the half on an 11-1 run and sealing the victory.  Penn State had a solid outing from the field, making 24 out of their 52 field goals, but they committed 15 turnovers which were converted into 17 points for the Badgers. The Lions also committed 23 fouls and even though the badgers would only make 13-26 foul shots, Penn State only took one free throw the whole game.

Jermaine Marshall led Penn State with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. DJ Newbill chipped in 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ross Travis had a game high 11 rebounds while Brandon Taylor added 8 points including 2 three pointers. Wisconsin had 4 players score in double figures led by Ryan Evans who had 13 points and 9 rebounds.

The Nittany Lions will host No. 5 Indiana on Monday January 7th at 7:00 pm.

Josiah Bates is a sophomore majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, e-mail jnb5278@psu.edu.