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Penn State Basketball: Freshman Trio Leads Nittany Lions in Upset of Maryland

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Feb 7, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Lamar Stevens (11) drives the ball to the basket as Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Maryland 70-64. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Lamar Stevens (11) drives the ball to the basket as Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Maryland 70-64. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Nittany Lions got a big night from its freshman trio in the upset of Maryland 

Just three days after being upset at home by lowly Rutgers, the Penn State Nittany Lions had thoughts of an upset of their own. The talented trio of freshmen that head coach Patrick Chambers brought in this season came up big in Tuesday’s 70-64 upset of No. 21 Maryland.

On a night where Shep Garner, Josh Reaves, and Payton Banks combined for just eight points, it was necessary for others to step up. That’s exactly what the freshman trio  did.

All three freshmen finished the game in double-digits and the group accounted for 49 of the team’s 70 total points.

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Forward Lamar Stevens had a monster game with 25 points, seven rebounds and three steals. He missed his career-high in points by just one. Fellow froward Mike Watkins led the team with nine rebounds and added 10 points. Tony Carr contributed 14 points and seven rebounds.

Penn State came out ready to play, and aside from being tied at 10-10, led the entire first half. The Nittany Lions took a 35-29 lead into halftime.

The second half was more of the same, as Penn State never relinquished its lead.

Maryland, coming off a home loss to Purdue on Saturday, really struggled against the Nittany Lions  and shot just 34 percent from the floor.

Star guard Melo Trimble everted the came averaging over 17 points a game, but  converted just four of his shots from the field and finished with eleven points.

For Penn State, Nittany Lions the victory marks the second home win this season over a ranked opponent. The Nittany Lions beat then-No. 24 Minnesota on January 14.

Next: Penn State 2017 Breakout Candidate: WR Juwan Johnson

The Nittany Lions will try to improve their standing in the Big Ten when they take the court Saturday against Illinois.

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