Penn State Basketball stuns Northwestern: What powered 74-70 upset

Jan 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Pete Nance (22) defends Penn State Nittany Lions forward John Harrar (21) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Pete Nance (22) defends Penn State Nittany Lions forward John Harrar (21) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State Basketball
Penn State Nittany Lions guard Dallion Johnson (left) and Youngstown State Penguins guard Myles Hunter (Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) /

Time for an unsung hero to shine?

Jaheam Cornwall made yet another start for the Nittany Lions and did … absolutely nothing.  Again.

Here’s his line from the game last night and the previous games:

at Northwestern: 13 minutes, 0-4 from the field (0-4 from three), 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 foul

vs Indiana: 14 minutes, 0-1 from the field (0-1 from three), 2 turnovers, 4 points

at Michigan State: 21 minutes, 0-4 from the field (0-3 from three), 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, 0 points

vs Wagner: 21 minutes, 0-4 from the field (0-3 from three), 2 assists, 1 rebound, 3 turnovers, 0 points

On the season, he’s averaging 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 22.7%.

It’s obvious Shrewsberry loves having Dread and Sessoms off the bench for some instant offense, but Cornwall can’t be starting on this team any longer.

Perhaps more his playing time should go to Dallion Johnson, who has seen very limited action this year.  Last night, he only played four minutes but hit a crucial three (something Cornwall hasn’t done in over a month) and made both free throws.  He was a refreshing breath of fresh air and his made three came right after Northwestern extended their lead to a game high of 10.  That shot doesn’t go in, who knows if the comeback ever even starts.

Penn State Basketball (7-5, 2-2 in conference) is back at home this Saturday at 12:00 pm, hosting none other than Shresberry’s former team, the No. 3 ranked Purdue Boilermakers.