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Penn State Basketball: Nittany Lions Travel to Minnesota

By Shane Lunnen

Feb 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Lamar Stevens (11) is congratulated by forward Mike Watkins (24) and guard Shep Garner (33) after being fouled during overtime against the Purdue Boilermakers at Bryce Jordan Center. Purdue defeated Penn State 74-70. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Lamar Stevens (11) is congratulated by forward Mike Watkins (24) and guard Shep Garner (33) after being fouled during overtime against the Purdue Boilermakers at Bryce Jordan Center. Purdue defeated Penn State 74-70. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State hits the road for a rematch against the Golden Golphers

The last time the Gophers and Lions met over a month ago, Penn State pulled off a two point upset in Happy Valley.  That was part of a five game losing streak for Minnesota, but since then they have been on fire, winning six in a row and making a run towards the NCAA tournament.  Their latest was a 14 point road victory against Maryland this past Wednesday night.

The Lions are the opposite of the Gophers since the teams last met, having lost seven out of their last ten.  The latest was an overtime loss this past Tuesday to Purdue.  Penn State has not been consistent enough, but there is still three games left to right the ship and get to a postseason tournament.

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One of Penn State’s biggest issues has been closing out games.  Against Purdue, it was the same story as the Lions built a lead in the first half but the Boilermakers kept chugging away ,eventually winning in overtime.

Minnesota is scoring nearly 76 points per game while only allowing 69.  They rely on their defense, led by big man shot blocker Reggie Lynch.  On offense, junior guard Nate Mason leads the team in points (15.1 per game) and assists (5.3 per game).

Penn State has struggled from beyond the arc so a key in this one will be for the Lions to step it up in their 3 point shooting while limiting Minnesota in their attempts.

The Lions are running out of time to keep their postseason hopes alive.  Winning at least two of the next three will help their resume for an NIT berth.  Winning down the stretch would also likely give them a first round bye in the Big Ten conference tournament.

If there is one thing Penn State has going into this one, it’s a four game winning streak versus the Gophers.  Hopefully they can make it five.

Penn State and Minnesota tip-off at 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon and the game can be seen on Big Ten Network.

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