Final Score
Morgan State - 71
Penn State - 80
The Lions cruised to victory over the Morgan State Bears on Saturday, but it was closer than most people probably felt comfortable with.
The Lions started off the game shooting cold and allowed the Bears to take a lead early. At one point Penn State found themselves down 20-14 on scoreboard. But Penn State turned on the jets right before the half and took a 33-30 lead into the lockeroom.
Early in the second half Ben Luber took an elbow to the head that knocked him a bit silly. He ended up leaving the game complaining of a headache. Mike Walker replaced him off the bench and sparked the Nittany Lion offense to live with two 3-pointers that made up part of his total 16 points for the game. At one point Walker scored eight points in a 13-5 run near the end of the game to help the Lions pull out to a 14 point lead and seal the win.
Breaking It Down
Lost in the terrible first half was fine play by Brandon Hassell who continues to develop into a solid player in the paint. Hassell had 12 points and five rebounds in the first half. But then he disappeared in the second half finishing with 14 points and 9 rebounds for the game.
Geary Claxton made his first start of the season since breaking his hand in the exhibition game. He played sparingly in the first half after picking up two quick fouls but he played the entire second half finishing with 15 points and 8 rebounds.
Jamelle Cornley once again led the Lions with 18 points.
The Lions shot 38% from the field in the first half, but turned it around to shoot 48% and score 48 points in the second half.
Next Up
Penn State will play Hartford on Wednesday night at the Bryce Jordan Center. The Hawks are 3-3 on the year but they are riding a three game winning streak into State College.