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Climbin’ to No. 9! Tied for the highest @AP_Top25 poll ranking in history with 1995-96 & 1953-54 teams! ⚪ #ClimbWithUs pic.twitter.com/QI37snxbKt
— Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) February 17, 2020
Penn State went on the road this week for one of their toughest remaining games at Purdue. An explosion from 3-pt range in the first half headed by Seth Lundy built a comfortable lead for the visitors, who closed it out with Lamar Stevens and Mike Watkins dominating the paint in the second half. While Purdue went on to lose consecutive games falling at Ohio State on Saturday, a win in West Lafayette is no small feat.
Saturday the Lions took care of business at home with a win over the struggling Northwestern Wildcats. Myles Dread and Jamari Wheeler were successful from the perimeter, and Stevens and Watkins again controlled the paint.
Both wins came without star sophomore Myreon Jones, who has now missed 3-straight games due to illness.
The Nittany Lions are now No. 9 in the AP Poll, right behind Maryland, as they are in the conference standings. Penn State hosts Illinois on Tuesday and travels to Indiana to face the Hoosiers on Saturday. The Terrapins host Northwestern, then travel to Ohio State on Saturday.
Here’s something to consider:
Since Ken Pom began in 2002, only one team has won the NCAA Tournament without being top 25 in offensive & defensive efficiency. 4 weeks to Selection Sunday that is these 8 teams:
— BiggerTen (@BiggerTen) February 17, 2020
Kansas
Duke
San Diego St
Baylor
Ohio St
Michigan St
Penn St
Arizona
Michigan is close (26 & 24).