B1G Tournament time: Penn State Basketball’s first step vs. Nebraska

No.11 seed Penn State Basketball takes on the No. 14 Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament Wednesday night at approximately 9:00 pm on the Big Ten Network (Fox Sports App).

Tale of the Tape:

KenPom: Penn State 34, Nebraska 92

Net Rankings: Penn State 40, Nebraska 126

Conference Standings: Penn State 11th (7-12, 10-13 overall), Nebraska 14th (3-16, 7-19 overall)

Last time(s) out: Nebraska won in State College 62-61 (Penn State Basketball’s only bad loss this year) but Penn State won in Lincoln two weeks ago, 86-83

Spread:  Penn State is a 6.5 point favorite

About the Cornhuskers:

Teddy Allen (yes, the guy the Lions gave up a 40 spot to) is Nebraska’s leading scorer, no surprise, at 16.5 points per game.  Fellow guard Dalano Banton leads the team in rebounds (6.0), assists (4.0) and blocks? (at .9 per game). Nebraska has been shooting much better in their past few games, as they now have four players shooting above 35% from three.  Fortunately, they still stink from the free throw line (63.5%) and Harrar and co. should own the glass since no Cornhusker averages over 6 boards a game.

This game won’t be easy, because opening round conference tournament games never are.

Penn State Basketball is better, there’s no doubt.

But, a very late tip-time could spell doom, especially if the Lions get off to another slow start like they did at home.  Penn State Basketball can’t be caught looking ahead to Wisconsin or Iowa, even if those games could be the difference from the season continuing after this week.

Get your caffeine ready, #weclimb tonight at around 9pm!