I was hoping this week's NLOTW would come from the world of wrestling, but it just wasn't meant to be. Instead, congratulations to Penn State's Talor Battle for being named this week's Nittany Lion of the Week.
This week's Big Ten Player of the Week, Battle had a monster week for the NCAA hopeful men's basketball team. He recorded his 40th and 41st career 20 point game (11th of his senior season) in victories over Iowa and #15 Wisconsin. Battle also surpassed the 1,900 point mark and now seats at a cool 1,934. Battle is only 52 points behind the #2 spot held by Penn State legend Joe Crispin (1,986). Battle could possibly pass Jesse Arnelle's scoring record of 2,138 if he averages over 20 points a game and the team plays a couple of games in the Big 10 and NCAA tournament. some sort of injury (knocking on extreme amounts of wood right now - insert joke here), Battle should become the second 2,000 point scorer for the men's team in the near future (Susan Robinson Kelly Mazzante is the schools all-timer leading scorer (and Big Ten) with 2,253 2,919 points).
Battle has done everything asked of him during his career and especially his senior season. Battle's play in the second half of Wisconsin, especially his clutch shooting from the floor (with the exception of those 2 missed free throws late in the game) helped seal the victory for the Nittany Lions in front of a crowed of 14k+.
In Penn State's 65-51 victory over Iowa Talor finished with 23 points on 8-13 shooting with 2 rebounds and 3 steals. During Penn State's 56-52 upset of the #15 ranked Wisconsin Badgers, Battled chipped in with 22 points, 5 clutch rebounds and 3 assists.
Penn State will try to play (if weather permits) #24 Illinois tonight at 9pm on the Big Ten Network. Penn State returns home on Sunday, February 6th against the Michigan Wolverines.
Honorable Mention
Shavon Greaves (Track and Field) - The Lakewood, NJ senior was named Big Ten Athlete of the Week after a pair of second place finishes this weekend. She is also now an automatic qualifier for NCAAs.