Penn State Basketball’s reasons for hope and despair: Tourney prospects
By Evan Smith
![Feb 9, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jamari Wheeler (5) goes to the basket as Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) defends during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports Feb 9, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jamari Wheeler (5) goes to the basket as Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) defends during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d9cb341cf98ceca6856304a3f065133b5e79609ac931c292b2210c1db724665d.jpg)
— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) February 10, 2021
HOPE: Metrics love the Lions …
The best reason for hope is that at 7-9 Penn State is just the fifth team out according to Bracketologist Joe Lunardi.
Assuming Penn State Basketball wins vs Nebraska on Sunday, the Nittany Lions will be 8-9, and likely need a 3-2 finish (assuming no games added/rescheduled).
The reason why Lunardi has PSU so high, is the Lions’ KenPom ranking (30) and NET Ranking (31).
Thanks to our hardest schedule in the nation, even under .500 Penn State Basketball has a fighter’s chance at the Big Dance!