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Thirteen.
No, we are not talking about bad luck numbers. Rather, it was the number of consecutive games Wisconsin had beaten Penn State. It was a streak that stretched back to March 2011, ten years ago and two head coaches. Considering the trajectory of the two programs in today’s clash, you’d have imagined it pretty hard to believe that today would be the day PSU would end the slippage.
The first half was a back-and-forth duel that saw hot shots and several changes of head (eight in total). The biggest leader of either team was a meager four points. Whenever one team seemed ready to take a bigger lead, the other team responded with a big blow or imposed a timely rollover. The Badgers held a 34-31 halftime advantage, when the first 20 minutes were said and done.
The second half saw PSU pick up the tempo, just the way they like it. Using their athleticism and the Badgers’ lack of comfort as well as a cold-shooting streak from downtown, the Lions were able to claim and maintain their lead throughout the second half, in large part thanks to the high-profile games. by Myreon Jones, Izaiah Brockington and John Harrar. Harrar in particular was hooked down the straight, scoring an incredible layup as he fell foul and finished the game three points from the line to give PSU a nine point lead with 2 : 30 to play.
Wisconsin would desperately try to stay within striking distance, but failed to connect and the PSU did their part to force turnovers and clean up the defensive glass, as well as hit a few critical free throws in the overtime, in raising 11 points to ultimately achieve the huge upset victory and end the ten-year futility streak.
Four factors
Both teams shot the ball pretty well (PSU 45%, Wisconsin 44%). The difference was the fact that PSU forced 12 turnovers, which was a worse season for a Badgers side who generally do a great job taking care of the ball. Plus, the Lions had significantly more trips to the free throw line, logging on 19 of their 25 trips, while the Badgers were six for eight at the charity strip.
Game player (s)
We pay tribute to the trio of Jones, Brockington and Harrar. Jones’ 20 points led all scorers, including a perfect Downtown 3-for-3, while Brockington nearly pulled off a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Harrar was also in beast mode with 17. points and eight arrays, itself. Their efforts played a major role in helping PSU achieve their biggest win of the season.
Random observations
- The fairy Rim is a cruel mistress – In the dying minute of the first half, Myreon headed for the lane for what looked like a go-ahead layup, but the ball stayed around the rim before falling. The second half saw John Harrar come up for a one-handed slam on a quick break that would have given PSU a seven-point lead but was rejected by the rim.
- Welcome, Sam! – After missing the previous game against Ohio State with an ankle injury, Sam Sessoms was back in action as he left the bench to nail a pair of treys. With him and Myles Dread now available again, PSU is back to deep backcourt, and not a moment too soon, as Sam and Myles combined for a total of 15 points off the bench.
- Back on the bubble? – I’m sure Chris Taylor will speak eloquently about this tomorrow, but getting a scalp on a Wisconsin Top 15 team has to bring PSU back into a bubble talk for now. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for Joe Lunardi’s next Bracketology to drop.
following
An immediate new game between the Lions and the Badgers begins this upcoming Groundhog Day (Feb. 2). The tipoff will take place at 7:00 p.m. ET on BTN.
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