Penn State men's basketball thumps UMBC behind a full team effort

Yanic Konan Niederhauser electrified the crowd on Friday night, scoring 18 points and nine rebounds for a near double-double. Standing 7 feet tall, he has shown in two games why he is so vital to this year's team. Penn State has lacked a true sky-scraping big man in recent years, and they have seemingly found one.

The Nittany Lions did not make former Penn State interim head coach Jim Ferry’s night a very enjoyable one. They suffocated the Retrievers all night, especially in the second half, outscoring them 60-26.

Ace Baldwin only finished the game with seven points, shooting 2/9 from the floor, but he tacked on eight assists and two steals to make his presence felt. Zach Hicks drained a handful of three pointers, and added three blocks on the defensive end.

D’Marco Dunn is showing improvements to his game from last season, knocking down five shots en route to 16 points and three rebounds. He stayed aggressive, attacking the rim and getting to the free throw line.

Penn State’s freshmen duo of Dominick Stewart and Jahvin Carter continued to display their talents and show Rhoades why they deserve significant playing time. Although it's early in the season, and they’re just freshmen, they will continue to play roles throughout the season that will impact winning. 

Carter finished with 12 points and three assists in 14 minutes, including back-to-back threes that brought the house down at the Bryce Jordan Center. Stewart ended the game with seven points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. His effort level and hustle have been evident, and he resembles everything Rhoades preaches to his players. 

Penn State fans are still awaiting the debuts of freshman Miles Goodman and sophomore Eli Rice, but their first appearances in the blue and white threads seem imminent. 

Other notes and statistics:

• Penn State: 55% FG, 44% 3PT, 66% FT, 12 steals, 8 blocks, 
• Kern: 10 points, 1 block, 1 steal, 19 minutes
• Johnson: 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 23 minutes
• Dilione: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 19 minutes
• Nzeh: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 12 minutes
• Sedora: 2 points, 2 rebounds