Black Shoe Diaries - Hoops: Penn State vs MichiganDOMINATE THE STATEhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47529/blackshoediaries_fave.png2013-03-13T12:11:04-04:00http://www.blackshoediaries.com/rss/stream/37621432013-03-13T12:11:04-04:002013-03-13T12:11:04-04:00Big Ten Tournament Preview: Penn State vs Michigan
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>These teams met twice in the regular season. Both games were hotly contested, but this is March, and Michigan has everything to play for.</p> <table width="350" border="1"><tbody>
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<td><b>Who:</b></td>
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<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/michigan-wolverines" class="sbn-auto-link">Michigan Wolverines</a> (25-6, 12-6)</td>
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<td><b>When:</b></td>
<td>Thursday, 25 minutes after the completion of the noon ET game. So probably around 2:30pm.</td>
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<td><b>Where:</b></td>
<td>United Center, Chicago, IL</td>
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<td><b>TV:</b></td>
<td>BTN</td>
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</tbody></table>
<p>Despite landing the fifth seed in the Big Ten tournament, Michigan had themselves quite a season. Burdened with high expectations and the conference's youngest (albeit, a very talented) roster, the Wolverines finished just one spot below the preseason ranking of which the Coaches and AP polls deemed them worthy. This in itself is an accomplishment, and they have every right to be proud of how they performed this season.</p>
<p>Except, maybe, for one game. One night in State College, in that basketball crypt known as the Bryce Jordan Center. One night, where rankings and metrics were checked at the door and the lowliest of the lowly, 0-14 Penn State, <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/2/27/4038134/penn-state-michigan-upset-final-score" target="_blank">finally got theirs</a>. Michigan had four losses at that point, but each of those losses could be forgiven, or at least rationalized; the games at Ohio State, Indiana and Wisconsin were always going to be tough, and there was no shame in losing any of those games in close fashion. Certainly, the blowout loss against little brother in East Lansing provided more cognitive dissonance than any defeat up to that point, but even that could be reasonably explained.</p>
<p>But losing to a winless team? Losing a game to a winless team that the Wolverines led by 15 midway through the second half? How do you rationalize that one? Surely, that game sticks in John Beilein's craw. Surely, that game keeps former PSU commit <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145685/trey-burke" class="sbn-auto-link">Trey Burke</a> awake at night. Surely, Michigan wants revenge.</p>
<p>Surely, Penn State can't do that again. The Nittany Lions have played increasingly well since then, save a drab effort at Minnesota where they couldn't muster a single point for the first 12 minutes of the game. They got their first Big Ten road win under Pat Chambers at Northwestern--to be fair, Northwestern has been dreadful since the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52438/jared-swopshire" class="sbn-auto-link">Jared Swopshire</a> injury--but nothing is guaranteed on the road in the Big Ten. Just ask Michigan.</p>
<p>The Wolverines found out nothing is guaranteed at home, either. Their Big Ten title hopes were dashed by Indiana in dramatic fashion, losing a game in which they were up by five with 40 seconds to go. They were a timely gust of wind during <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99677/jordan-morgan" class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Morgan's</a> tip-in away from victory, but here they are in the first round against Penn State.</p>
<p>The Lions are coming directly off a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/3/10/4086198/game-30-wisconsin-recap">heartbreaking loss of their own</a> against Wisconsin. Penn State went shot for shot with the Badgers, but unfortunately Bucky got the last sip in the bottle as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146508/traevon-jackson" class="sbn-auto-link">Traevon Jackson</a> hit a contested jumper from 25 feet as time expired. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99913/jermaine-marshall" class="sbn-auto-link">Jermaine Marshall</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/126257/d-j-newbill" class="sbn-auto-link">D.J. Newbill</a> once again led the charge with 23 and 22 points, respectively, in what can be described as a confidence-building loss. This team knows they can compete with the big boys.</p>
<p>In Penn State's win over Michigan, Marshall exploded for 25 points, Newbill had himself 17 and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145926/ross-travis">Ross Travis</a> had the game of his life with 15 points and 12 rebounds. The Nittany Lions shot 47.7% from the floor, including 10-20 from behind the arc, and got to the free throw line 27 times. Offensive explosions aren't what this team is known for, but then again they shot 43% at Crisler. For whatever reason, Penn State has what it takes to break down the Wolverines' defense.</p>
<p>But surely Michigan, a team with everything to play for, including a number one seed in the NCAA tournament, will handle their lowly opponent. Surely.</p>
<p>Right?</p>
<blockquote>
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https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/3/13/4097620/game-31-big-ten-tournament-michigan-previewChad Markulics2013-02-27T21:57:45-05:002013-02-27T21:57:45-05:00Penn State Devastates Michigan, 84-78
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<img alt="Yes, Trey reportedly complained about the officiating in his press conference." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h97G-xUXB-ZzxnDgmt5o8cloI_o=/0x490:2908x2429/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8838639/20130227_mjm_ai8_021.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Yes, Trey reportedly complained about the officiating in his press conference. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>That just happened.</p> <p>This isn't the first time Penn State basketball has reminded us of why we suffer, but tonight might've provided the greatest satisfaction ever as a devoted fan of this downtrodden program. This team has done nothing but frustrate for 2 straight months, but in the span of about a half hour, they wiped away all of those negative emotions. It really feels like we just witnessed a championship win.</p>
<p>There's no logical explanation for how it happened either. All we know is that it was overdue after how this team has continued to battle through 14 emotionally-draining losses. It's that much sweeter to come against the program's nemesis, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145685/trey-burke" class="sbn-auto-link">Trey Burke</a>, and a top-5 Michigan team. Who knows how much longer Burke will be in a corn uniform, but PSU exacted their revenge on the one-time Nittany Lion verbal, as Dick Vitale loved to remind us over and over again this season.</p>
<p>Penn State was down 66-51 with just over 10:00 to play. They had been essentially incapable of getting a stop for most of the game. Sure, they were forcing a few turnovers with their 1-2-2 pressure, but the Wolverines were still filling it up and on pace to score 90 points. It didn't seem like Chambers' team was ever going to be able to catch up to the Wolverine's output.</p>
<p>But the Lions, as it's been said for over and over again for 2 months now, never gave up. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99913/jermaine-marshall" class="sbn-auto-link">Jermaine Marshall</a> got hot (25 points, 6 3PM), while DJ Newbill (17 points, 5 assists) kept drawing the defense and finding him. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145926/ross-travis" class="sbn-auto-link">Ross Travis</a> unleashed #BossTravis and was a force against UM once again, even after he went down with a calf cramp with 3 minutes to play. His statline read - 15 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 0 turnovers in 36 grueling minutes, easily his best performance of his career. Penn State also got timely contributions from their two seniors on senior night - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99916/sasa-borovnjak" class="sbn-auto-link">Sasa Borovnjak</a> (9 points, 5 rebounds) and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/105581/nick-colella" class="sbn-auto-link">Nick Colella</a> (9 points, numerous charges taken).</p>
<p>They slowly kept chipping away until Michigan suddenly couldn't find a basket. Trey Burke looked human and it was the guys in white that were making the winning plays down the stretch. They took that monkey off their back and fired it into the sun. The BJC floor was stormed and there was much rejoicing.</p>
<p>No one deserved it more than everyone in that lockerroom. The coaches, the players, the support staff, even <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52375/billy-oliver" class="sbn-auto-link">Billy Oliver</a>. I hope they all enjoy this one for the rest of their lives.</p>
<p>For once, they made nobody care about Big Macs.</p>
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/2/27/4038134/penn-state-michigan-upset-final-scoreejg50682013-02-27T18:15:06-05:002013-02-27T18:15:06-05:00YAY HOOPS: PSU vs Michigan Live Game Thread
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<p>Senior night. Let's get it.</p>
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/2/27/4037564/yay-hoops-psu-vs-michigan-live-game-threadejg50682013-02-27T07:30:03-05:002013-02-27T07:30:03-05:00Hoops Preview - Michigan
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_2zIKqsr2mRv3o_2_mqqS3xbCxg=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8790333/20130221_kkt_aa1_577.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Michigan needs this game in order to keep pace with the cream of the crop in the Big Ten, but with Penn State playing their best hoops of the season, it may not be such an easy task.</p> <table width="350" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Who:</b></td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a> (23-4, 10-4)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>When:</b></td>
<td>Wednesday, 6:30pm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Where:</b></td>
<td>
<strike>Bon Jovi</strike> Bryce Jordan Center</td>
</tr>
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<td><b>TV:</b></td>
<td>BTN</td>
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</tbody></table>
<p>With Indiana's stumble at The Barn on Tuesday night, you'd have to say that Michigan is in the driver's seat for the regular season Big Ten crown. The Wolverines sit tied for second with Wisconsin and Michigan State at 10-4, but host both the Spartans and Hoosiers in the coming weeks, the latter of which will likely decide the champion if all goes according to plan.</p>
<p>That plan does not include a loss to an 0-14 Penn State. Despite the Nittany Lions' <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/2/17/3998572/penn-state-at-michigan-final-score-basketball-trey-burke">spirited efforts in Ann Arbor</a>, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who would give Pat Chambers' crew a chance in hell at winning this game. I would say crazier things have happened in this frenetic college hoops season, but nothing would be crazier than the (objectively) worst BCS-conference team pulling off an upset against a Final Four contender in the thick of a conference title race. And nothing would be sweeter, considering the opponent.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145685/trey-burke">Trey Burke</a> almost singlehandedly destroyed Penn State (in their last meeting). The all-everything point guard had a season-high 29 points to lead his team to victory as the Wolverines got just about all they could handle from what was essentially PSU's assortment of reserves and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99916/sasa-borovnjak">Sasa Borovnjak</a>, who is simply "он фире" right now. The big Serb will be honored along with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/105581/nick-colella">Nick Colella</a> at tonight's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/022513aab.html">senior night ceremony</a>, but the way Sasa has been playing lately (16.0 ppg on 74%(!) shooting over the last three games) it's getting harder and harder to see him go.</p>
<p>Penn State was competitive in the last meeting because they got great minutes from Colella (9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145926/ross-travis">Ross Travis</a> (11 points and 10 rebounds). Certainly, they played tough defense against one of the nation's most potent offenses (only four Wolverines scored from the field), but they probably won't be able to sniff a win unless their main threats show up in a big way.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/126257/d-j-newbill">D.J. Newbill</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99913/jermaine-marshall">Jermaine Marshall</a> were in foul trouble early and often at Crisler, so it'll be interesting to see what adjustments Chambers will make in order to keep them on the floor against such an offensively gifted team. Newbill will need to cut down on his turnovers after a subpar showing (7 TOs) in Champaign on Thursday. Marshall is coming off a great road performance at Illinois, where he posted 20 points on 6-11 shooting, and he'll need to continue that form in order for Penn State to have a chance.</p>
<blockquote>
<a data-lang="en" data-show-count="true" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/BSDtweet">Follow @BSDtweet on Twitter</a><br>And join us on<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Shoe-Diaries/161813843845442"> Facebook</a><br>All BSD community members should review our current <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2012/6/5/3066778/commenting-and-posting-policy-for-bsd">Posting & Commenting Policies</a> before creating any posts or commenting.</blockquote>
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/2/27/4034312/penn-state-basketball-game-27-michigan-previewChad Markulics2013-02-17T16:35:04-05:002013-02-17T16:35:04-05:00PSU Earns Respect in Close Loss At Michigan
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Another inspiring performance from Penn State didn't lead to a win, but respect was earned today in Ann Arbor. </p> <p>It's been an exhausting season so far, even unbearable at times, but this past week alone has been something else. Chambers has been telling everyone who will listen that his team was 'close. That hasn't been more evident than their past two games. They haven't broken through with a needed win yet, but after going toe-to-toe with a national title contender in their arena for 40 minutes, you have to think that they'll get over the hump before the end of the year.</p>
<p>0-13 teams should not be playing as hard as PSU continues to play. The marketing campaign all year long has been 'All In' and the players' have taken that to heart. Who knows when it will be pay off, but they earned some respect today in Ann Arbor after falling short against the Wolverines, 79-71. Not once did the Nittany Lions trail by double-digits. </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Penn State doesn't look like a team that's winless in league play. Impressive fight being shown by the Lions.</p>
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) <a href="https://twitter.com/raphiellej/status/303211730161500160">February 17, 2013</a>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
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<p>Man, it's tough not to be impressed with <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23NitanyLions">#NitanyLions</a> resolve.One thing I've noticed doing their games - always, always give great effort</p>
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) <a href="https://twitter.com/BTNDaveRevsine/status/303211877461266433">February 17, 2013</a>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
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<p>Penn State can’t stop <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145685/trey-burke">Trey Burke</a>, but no one can. They’ve played really well — giving Michigan a real run in Ann Arbor.</p>
— Eamonn Brennan (@eamonnbrennan) <a href="https://twitter.com/eamonnbrennan/status/303216901859966976">February 17, 2013</a>
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<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
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<p>Impressed with Penn State's effort today at Michigan. Nittany Lions will be tough in 13-14 with additions of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99917/tim-frazier">Tim Frazier</a> + John Johnson.</p>
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/303219674039070722">February 17, 2013</a>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Teams that struggle like Penn State has this season are usually punching bags for the media throughout the course of the year, but they had a chance to leave an impression against one of the country's best and it was a positive one. </p>
<p>Penn State got off to a great start, leading for most of the first half before going into the break tied. Michigan seemed to be lagging after coming off their brutal 4-game stretch that ended in an ass-kicking to Michigan State. No one outside of Trey Burke seemed interested in scoring the basketball as the Wolverines missed open lay-ups and threes alike.</p>
<p>The Lions had their own issues in the first half with foul trouble. Both DJ Newbill and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99913/jermaine-marshall">Jermaine Marshall</a> picked up 2 fouls a piece early in the period, and then Newbill seemingly got robbed on a charging call that gave him 3 before the break. Even without their two best players, PSU wasn't quite able to hold onto their early lead, but they still managed to go to the half tied.</p>
<p>The second half was a different story as Michigan came out with more energy. But while it seemed like the Wolverines were poised to break the game open numerous times in the half, the Lions always responded. However, to pull off the upset of the year, they had to be flawless, and PSU wasn't able to avoid one less turnover, one less foul, or one more rebound.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99916/sasa-borovnjak">Sasa Borovnjak</a> and Jermaine Marshall led Penn State with 17 points each. It was a career-high for Sasa, who had his 2nd big offensive game in a row. The Lions also wouldn't have been anywhere in this contest without the big contributions from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/105581/nick-colella">Nick Colella</a> (36 minutes, 9 points) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145926/ross-travis">Ross Travis</a> (38 minutes, 11 points, 10 rebounds). Both of these guys kept the offense afloat in the first half and kept their strong play going in the 2nd, countering many of Michigan's buckets.</p>
<p>The Lions just weren't able to get enough stops down the stretch, once again having severe fouling problems and surrending 35 FTAs to the Wolverines. Michigan scored 1.22 PPP with just 6 turnovers (9% TO%) and a 71.4 free throw rate. It's going to be nearly impossible for PSU to win a game while giving up that efficiency to their opponents, let alone on the road.</p>
<p>Penn State remains win-less in the Big Ten but will now travel to Illinois' Assembly Hall on Thursday, a place they've had success before. </p>
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/2/17/3998572/penn-state-at-michigan-final-score-basketball-trey-burkeejg50682013-02-17T11:40:03-05:002013-02-17T11:40:03-05:00YAY HOOPS: PSU @ Michigan Live Game Thread
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<p>Lord have mercy on our souls. </p>
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/2/17/3998112/yay-hoops-penn-state-at-michigan-live-game-threadejg50682013-02-16T16:26:02-05:002013-02-16T16:26:02-05:00Hoops Preview - at Michigan
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CeISJ_PZYDolX1sokCbuAvROey8=/0x30:2961x2004/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8239767/20130106_kkt_aa1_027.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Not in the face, Michigan. Not in the face.</p> <table border="1" width="350"><tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Who:</b></td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/michigan-wolverines" class="sbn-auto-link">Michigan Wolverines</a> (21-4, 8-4)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>When:</b></td>
<td>Sunday, 12:00pm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Where:</b></td>
<td>Crisler Center</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TV:</b></td>
<td>BTN</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>After a <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/2/15/3991678/penn-state-iowa-basketball-final-score-dj-newbill-roy-marble" target="_blank">gut-wrenching defeat</a> that saw the Nittany Lions' best performance thus far in the Big Ten, it now becomes difficult to find a game in which Penn State will have a decent chance at getting their first conference win. And barring a miracle, Sunday's game at Ann Arbor won't be it. Michigan has been a top five team for the majority of the season, and to expect anything other than a blowout win for the hosts (who are coming off their <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/2/12/3983064/michigan-mich-state-final-score-msu-basketball" target="_blank">biggest defeat of the season</a> to Michigan State) is bordering on the insane.</p>
<p>Michigan is really good, but you already knew that. To be more precise, Michigan's offense is superb. Penn State played about as well as you could've asked on offense against Iowa, shooting 44% from the field and scoring 1.11 points per possession, their best performance in Big Ten play. Michigan shoots 47% from the field and is averaging 1.13 PPP for the conference season, a figure only bested by Indiana's 1.15 PPP. Simply put, it's unreasonable to expect Penn State (0.87 PPP in the Big Ten) to match that kind of production, especially on the road.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123897/tim-hardaway-jr" class="sbn-auto-link">Tim Hardaway Jr</a> has developed into a much more reliable scorer in his junior season under John Beilein. He's only averaging 0.9 ppg more than last season, but he's been much more efficient; Hardaway is shooting 46.8% from the field, up from 41.8% last season--but his new found consistency from beyond the arc has been a huge boost for the Wolverines. The junior swingman increased his 3PT% by 13% from last year to this year, and his 41% clip is good for fourth-highest in the conference.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175047/nik-stauskas" class="sbn-auto-link">Nik Stauskas</a> can light it up from three as well. The freshman is second in the conference in 3PT% at an amazing 47.7%. This spells trouble for the Nittany Lions, who have had a tough time defending the three point arc all season. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175041/glenn-robinson-iii" class="sbn-auto-link">Glenn Robinson III</a> (10.9 ppg) and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175045/mitch-mcgary" class="sbn-auto-link">Mitch McGary</a> (6.3 ppg, team-high 6.0 rpg) round out a highly-productive freshman class for the Wolverines.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/126257/d-j-newbill" class="sbn-auto-link">D.J. Newbill</a> had his best game in Blue & White against Iowa on Thursday night. His 26 points and 8 rebounds (including 3 three-pointers) set the tone for the Nittany Lions, who played their best game in 2013 but still managed a defeat. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99913/jermaine-marshall" class="sbn-auto-link">Jermaine Marshall</a> had a career-high 10 assists, setting up <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99916/sasa-borovnjak" class="sbn-auto-link">Sasa Borovnjak</a> time and time again to give the Serbian 14 points, tying his career-best. They'll need similar efforts in order for the Lions to compete with the current fourth-ranked team in the country.</p>
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https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/2/16/3995178/penn-state-michigan-basketball-previewChad Markulics