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Penn State Basketball wins (and covers) vs. VMI as Jamari Wheeler Shines

By Evan Smith

Dec 29, 2019; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jamari Wheeler (5) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Cornell Big Red at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2019; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jamari Wheeler (5) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Cornell Big Red at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 10: Sam Sessoms #3 of the Binghamton Bearcats reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on November 10, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 10: Sam Sessoms #3 of the Binghamton Bearcats reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on November 10, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

New Faces/New Strategies

Sam Sessoms, transfer from Binghamton, was expected to provide the Lions with instant offense and he delivered.

Coming off the bench, he finished 5-12 from the field (2-4 from 3) for 12 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds.  His ability to get into the lane will be instrumental for Lion success.

Further, we saw all four freshman play late, with Tsimbila getting a nice block (and a foul, we’ll see a few of those from the Freshman) and Johnson making his first collegiate shot from beyond the arc.  Interim Head Coach Jim Ferry also utilized “small ball” with Lundy playing at the five and a variety of Sessoms, Jones, Brocikington, Wheeler and Dread around him.

This lineup is incredibly short but very quick and active on defense.  In all, VMI had 22 turnovers, almost all forced as the Lions recorded 18 steals in the game.  Whether this lineup will work against bigger B1G lineups (gulp, Garza, Kockburn, etc.) is unknown.  But it was very successful today.

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