Four takeaways from Penn State’s 30 point victory over Saint Francis

Penn State begins their 2024-25 season with three consecutive wins against non-conference opponents. Unlike the first two games against Binghamton and UMBC, this one against Saint Francis was more of a test for the Nittany Lions. 

Starting the game with an 11-0 run, Penn State fans thought it would be smooth sailing from there until Saint Francis started to make a plethora of shots. The first half was a battle, and Penn State even trailed the game 34-33 with just over two minutes remaining in the half. 

Mike Rhoades’s halftime speech must have lit a fire under Penn State because they outscored the Red Flash 47-24 in the second half. The final in State College was 92-62, and the official X account of the Nittany Lions shared a cool stat.

Here are a few takeaways from the game on Tuesday night:

Yanic Konan Niederhauser is indispensable 

Penn State fans, including myself, have been raving about Niederhauser since the season has begun, and it has been for very good reason. Niederhauser took two fouls in the first four minutes of the game when Penn State was up 11-2. After he exited the game, Saint Francis was able to score at ease on the Nittany Lions, going on a 32-22 run that had the Red Flash in the lead near the end of the half.

When he re-entered the game to begin the second half, it was no coincidence the Nittany Lions easily put away Saint Francis. He finished the game with 11 points and seven rebounds in just 20 minutes. His seven-foot presence alone in the paint has been intimidating to Penn State’s first three opponents, and I’m excited to see him perform against finer competition.

Puff Johnson reminded Penn State fans of his abilities

Johnson has had a bit of a quiet start to begin his fifth season in college basketball, but he made sure Penn State fans did not forget how talented of a player he is. He scored a career-high 20 points, shot 3/4 from three, and swiped four steals. Johnson, aside from Niederhauder, is the best rebounder on the team, but the Nittany Lions are gonna need more than that to be a legit team this season. Penn State will be in great shape if Johnson can average near double-digit points and several rebounds per game.

D’Marco Dunn looks improved and understands his role in Rhoades’s system

Dunn had an up-and-down junior season at Penn State. He showed plenty of flashes but also was a very inconsistent player. However, he looks like he really improved his game in the offseason, including shooting the ball with more confidence. He has always been an aggressive player, but I believe his shot selection has been much better throughout the first three games of the season compared to last.

Dunn scored 10 points on 4/6 shooting from the floor against Saint Francis. He’s only receiving 15-20 minutes so far a game, and he understands his role as a low-minute, high-volume spark plug off the bench.

Dominick Stewart has All-Freshman Big Ten team potential

Stewart continues to impress the Nittany Lion faithful with his third straight quality game to begin his collegiate career. His game looks so fluid and he’s a perfect fit for Rhoades. He plays with a high motor, constantly hustling around the floor, and has flourished in the full-court press. He finished Tuesday’s game with eight points, six rebounds, and two steals in 14 minutes. Stewart had this to say about why he committed to Penn State back in the fall of last year:

"I think coach Mike and the whole staff made it feel like family," he continued, "I think it's a place where I can grow as a basketball player and as a man. I think it was a great fit for me."

Penn State fans should be thrilled about Stewart, as it should not go understated how impressive he has been in his first three college games.

Other notes and statistics:

• Penn State: 49% FG, 33% 3PT, 75% FT, 17 steals
• Baldwin: 16 points, 6 assists, 3 steals, 34 minutes
• Hicks: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 30 minutes
• Nzeh: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 10 minutes
• Kern: 4 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, 21 minutes
• Carter: 4 points, 2 assists, 10 minutes
• Dilione V: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 12 minutes