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This was just one of those nights where no matter what, things were not going to end well for the Nittany Lion hoop stars. Despite only six turnovers and a solid 17-of-23 performance from the free throw line, Penn State's lack of defense (Nebraska shot 44.2% from the floor) and its own inept shooting (34.9%) along with a whopping 48 free throw attempts by Nebraska (thanks to some comically awful officiating) spelled doom once again for PSU. A good number of those free throws can be attributed to three technical foul calls that went against the Nittany Lions, including one on Pat Chambers (who was fed up with all the calls going one way), one that got Brandon Taylor ejected, and another against Ross Travis that also seemed like complete BS.
Tim Frazier and DJ Newbill both racked up 17 points apiece, while Travis pitched in eight points and seven rebounds. Terran Petteway led the way for the Huskers with 26 points (including 14-of-19 at the free throw line), while Shavon Shields (13), Walter Pitchford (11), Ray Gallegos (11), and Tai Webster (10) also racked up double digits in scoring for Nebraska.
Four Factors Analysis
| Team | Possessions | PPP | eFG% | OReb% | TO% | FT Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State | 67 | 1.00 | 39.7% | 34.8% | 9.0% | 36.5% |
| Nebraska | - | 1.20 | 50.0% | 30.0% | 19.4% | 111.6% |
As is painfully obvious, the inability to showcase shooting efficiency and a LOLworthy 111.6% FT Rate on Nebraska's behalf (thanks to attempting more free throws than field goals) spelled the downfall for PSU in this one. It's not often that you see a team that turned it over only half as much as the other (6 for PSU compared to 13 for Nebraska) still get blown away by double digits.
Player of the Game
DJ Newbill was a little less erratic shooting the ball compared to his backcourt mate, and even knocked down three of his seven 3-point attempts. Ross Travis could also make a case as he sported a near double-double.
Random Observations
- Oh, Hello Again, Ross - Ross Travis made his return to the starting lineup for the first time in over a month, replacing Graham Woodward. Perhaps sticking with a three-guard starting lineup including Woodward and making Brandon Taylor the sixth man would be worth trying?
- Don't Look Now, But... Nebraska at 15-10 overall and 7-6 in Big Ten play is starting to be gossiped about as a possible NCAA Tournament team if they can continue to win.
Looking Ahead
Penn State gets a much-needed week off before playing host next Thursday to Ohio State at the BJC in a chance to pull off an improbable season sweep of the Buckeyes. That one will tip off at 7 PM ET on ESPN or ESPN2.
