Penn State Basketball: How to lose a game
By Evan Smith
The shot clock is [or at least should be] your friend …
Penn State led 45-31 after a Seth Lundy three pointer with 53 seconds remaining. The Nittany Lions forced a Seton Hall turnover with 30 seconds left in the half, thanks to a Myreon Jones steal.
In college basketball, the shot clock is 30 seconds. By simply holding the ball for the last shot, Penn State could guarantee a 14 point halftime lead even if they didn’t score.
Instead, the Lions tried to force the ball up the floor quickly, and John Harrar had a layup attempt blocked. Seton Hall came down the floor, got fouled and made the bucket (and the free throw), cutting the lead to 11.
Throughout the first half, the Pirates looked tired but sloppy game management gave the Pirates a jolt of energy into the half. Now, it would be vital for Penn State to start the second half strong to make up for this mistake.