Quick Report: Penn State 68, DePaul 62

An early start, 5 p.m., seemed to do Penn State some good, as the team jumped out to an early lead that it would protect for the entire game despite the persistent Blue Demons, who kept the game close but could not string together enough buckets to take the lead. Penn State pulled out a 68-62 victory to move to 2-0 on the season Tuesday evening at the Bryce Jordan Center.

At First…
Penn State’s defense hound DePaul into four turnovers and an 0-for-2 start. Freshman Josh Reaves, once again, opened the scoring with a steal and breakaway dunk and the Nittany Lions went on to build an early 8-2 lead. As a team, Penn State started hot from three, hitting 6-of-13 in the first half, while struggling inside, missing 13 of 18 shots inside the 3-point line. The Nittany Lions also forced six turnovers from the Blue Demons.

Turning Point…
This game was back and forth for the entire second half with DePaul keeping the deficit within six points for the final 14 mins, excluding the final minute in which Shep Garner extended the lead to seven at the free throw line. Consecutive 3-pointers from Garner and Taylor extended the lead to 63-56 and the Lions closed the game out on the free throw line for their second win of the season.

Shining Stars…
Brandon Taylor closed out the first half with a 3-pointer that sent the Lions into the half with a 31-25 lead. The shot was his first attempt of the game, but it gave the senior the confidence to keep firing, as he came out the second half red hot, nailing two more 3-pointers and a layup to manifest his own 8-2 run. Taylor finished the game with a game-high 22 points, shooting 7-for-10 from the field, including 4-of-7 from distance.

This game was in total contrast for Taylor than the season opener, in which he worked primarily on the box for his 13 points against VMI. Coach Pat Chambers has said Taylor will be used as and inside-outside threat and that much has worked so far.

Noteworthy Numbers…
The Nittany Lions spread the love with 12 assists. Penn State hasn’t relied on any particular player to carry the load so far this season with three players in double-digit scoring against VMI and four in double digits against DePaul. Garner was the catalyst with a team-high five assists, helping the Nittany Lions shoot 10-for-21 from 3-point distance.

Up Next...
Penn State (2-0) at Duquesne (2-0) (11/20, Palumbo Center)
DePaul (1-1) vs. South Carolina (2-0) (11/ 20, Colonial Life Arena)