The Lions are #6 in the nation in scoring at 88 ppg. They have played at easy non-con schedule against schools like Maryland-Baltimore County, Buffalo, Coppin St., and Binghamton. They blitzed Purdue, but lost by 12 to Clemson and by 4 to Rutgers. They are not Goliath by any stretch.
The story of the Purdue game was 24 turnovers produced by the press. Purdue actually outshot the Lions, but the turnovers and a big advantage at the FT line (32-19) gave PSU an easy win. PSU had less luck turning over Rutgers (14), and saw Rutgers hold the huge advantage in FT (25-9).
I think we have a real shot. PSU is long and athletic (as evidenced by the press), but they are not a great 3 point shooting team (35.8%). They shoot much better inside (58%) thanks to guys like G Nick Kern, G Puff Johnson and F/C Yanic Niederhauser. G Zach Hicks is their only guy getting more than 10 mpg shooting over 40% from 3.
Ace Baldwin is the catalyst on offense, averaging 8.6 assists (and 3.6 turnovers). He only shoots 40% overall. He was held in check by Clemson (20 pts on 14 shots with 5 tov) and Rutgers (8 pts, 3 tov), and did most of his damage vs. Purdue at the FT line (12/12).
I am hoping Mullins spends a lot of time defending Baldwin. I think that would slow down his dribble-penetration. Niederhauser mostly works inside, and Big Matt can handle him, leaving Brooks, Ty and Nick to handle those long wings.
I think Nick is due for a big game.
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