THE LAST TIME OUT
The first time Penn State played Nebraska they choked at the end, missing key free throws down the stretch. Last time out, again against Nebraska, Penn State choked throughout the game shooting from the field instead. The turnover bug, which has haunted the team since its near flawless game against Ohio State (four turnovers total), crippled the Lions already struggling offense (13 vs Nebraska).

Early leads followed by double digit scoring droughts have plagued Penn State in B1G play. Worst yet injuries (beyond Tim Frazier), and more, are starting to catch up to the team and its lack of depth. Jermaine Marshall is clearly not himself and Brandon Taylor is either hurt, tired, struggling with his confidence, or all three. That being said, the team has had a few days off and hopefully will show up for what they realize is a winnable game.

ABOUT THE IOWA HAWKEYES
Iowa has played well this season even while losing four of their last six games; two of which were in overtime, the last being a double overtime loss at Wisconson. They are top 15 in the country in rebounds and top 20 in assists and team-leading scorer and rebounder Aaron White torched the Lions last time they played for 27 points. White’s season average is only 13.5, junior Roy Devyn Marble is second with 13.2 points per game.

THE MATCH UP
Iowa struggles at time shooting from the field, but their physical play makes up for their lack of touch; against Penn State, Iowa drew 26 personal fouls, forced 18 turnovers, and shot 39 free throws. That type of aforementioned physical play made up for the fact they were outshot by the Lions from three point range, the free throw line, and were held below their season average from field goal range.

If the Lions are going to win at all in 2013, this is their best chance to do so. Penn State needs Jermaine Marshall and D.J. Newbill to show up and shoot consistently throughout the game. A third scorer (Brandon Taylor, Ross Travis, Sasa?) needs to get at least 15 points to support them. They need to limit the turnovers and personal fouls, and crash the boards.. Finally, if they are to be victorious, they need a loud and supportive Nittany Nation to pack the BJC, FTK, FTW.

Jan 31, 2013; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Aaron White (30) shoots against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Carver Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Things started out well enough for the Lions, racing out to a 10-3 lead behind three point shots from Brandon Taylor and Jermaine Marshall.  But coming out of the first media timeout of the Hawkeyes found their rhythm, and Penn State’s offense caught up with them.  Iowa would score 14 straight points, aided by missed shots, offensive rebounds, and yes, turnovers.  All told, the Lions committed 11 of them in the first half, as the Hawkeyes would go to the halftime break with a 34-26 lead.  If you were to look across the rest of the stat sheet, the Lions were not awful.  The shooting percentage was where it has been all year (35%), but the defense was strong, holding Iowa to just 39% from the field, and 20% from three.  Those 11 turnovers were the difference in an otherwise even half.

The second half started out about how the bulk of the first half went.  D.J. Newbill turned the ball over, and the Hawkeyes went down the floor and hit a three to open up an 11 point lead.  Then a funny thing happened.  Instead of folding, the Lions rattled off 8 straight to pull within 3 points just 3 minutes into the half.  PSU would hang around for the next few minutes, until a 9-0 run would open up a lead that PSU would never seriously threaten.

Newbill lead PSU with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, but also lead the team with 5 turnovers.  All told, the Lions committed 17 of them on the night.  Jermaine Marshall contributed 15 to the cause.  Pat Chambers continued search for a reliable 3rd scorer goes on, with no other player adding more than 8 (Brandon Taylor).  Ross Travis’ continued descent into jump shooter continues to be worrisome, and makes you wonder just how healthy his knee truly is .  Iowa did not shoot the ball particularly well (40%, 24% from three), but those turnovers, as well as 39 trips to the free throw line made up for their offensive struggles. Aaron White was dominant, however, scoring a career high 27.

Penn State gets a much needed weekend off, before returning home to face Purdue in the Jordan Center on Tuesday at 7:00.  The Boilermakers at home present one of PSU’s better shots to get their first Big 10 wins the remainder of the season.

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