Quick Report: Penn State 67, Boston College 58

Marley Paul (@MarleyPaul22)
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With a career-best 30 points Shep Garner flat-out carried Penn State to a much-needed road victory over Boston College on Wednesday, as the Nittany Lions and the Eagles matched up in the Big Ten/ACC challenge. After a deflating loss the last time out of Happy Valley against Duquesne, the 67-58 win will provide coach Patrick Chambers relief until a daunting road challenge next week when the Penn State travels to George Washington.

At first…
Garner got the ball rolling early. He hit two 3-pointers to open the game and gave Penn State a 6-1 lead in the first two minutes. He added two more, but Boston College didn’t back down, holding the Penn State lead to 12-11 after five minutes of play. Payton Banks would join in on the action quickly, adding a 3-pointer himself to put Penn State up 17-13 through eight minutes.

Garner would hit his first five attempts, before missing a heat check midway through the first half, to give him a quick 15 points.

Turning point…
Neither team could distance itself from each other to start the second half. Midway through the second half, Penn State led 48-47, then strung together some baskets and extended its lead with a 7-0 run with seven minutes left, for the largest lead of the night. The Eagles would cut into the lead but could not overcome the deficit.

Shining stars..
If there was any doubt who would shoulder the scoring load this season for Penn State, Garner make a strong case to be the go-to guy for this team. The former Roman Catholic standout shot lights out for a career-high 30 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting from distance. His eight three’s were the most by a Nittany Lion since Talor Battle nailed eight against Michigan State six years ago. Garner also added four rebounds and three assists for an overall solid outing.

Noteworthy number...
18.
Jordan Dickerson and Donovan Jack haven’t had the best start to their senior seasons, Dickerson losing his starting role to Julian Moore, and Jack frequently set back by foul trouble. The two big men combined for 18 points off the bench on Wednesday, a great sign for a Nittany Lion frontcourt that is very thin with freshman center Mike Watkins ineligible to play.

Up next...
Penn State (4-2) vs. Eastern Michigan (5-2) (Noon Saturday, Dec. 5)
Boston College (3-4) vs UMASS Lowell (3-2) (2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6)
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