Northwestern
12-3,3-1Big Ten
Penn State
8-8,2-3Big Ten
Wildcats Win at Penn State, Improve to 3-1 in Big Ten Play
1/10/2024 7:47:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Despite trailing by 10 with 15:37 remaining in the game, Northwestern utilized a 15-0 run and rallied past Penn State 76-72 on Wednesday night at the Bryce Jordan Center, improving 3-1 in Big Ten play for the second consecutive season and the third time in four seasons.
The Wildcats (12-3, 3-1 B1G) had three players score in double figures, led by Brooks Barnhizer's career-high 23 points. Boo Buie added 17 points, a game-high eight assists and tied for the team lead with five boards, and Ty Berry chipped in 16 points, four steals and tied Buie wth five boards. Buie moved into fourth place in career scoring at Northwestern (1,812 points), and passed Even Eschmeyer (1995-99, 1,805) on a free throw in the second half.All Smiles in Happy Valley ?? pic.twitter.com/TKldW4dSeG
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) January 11, 2024
Northwestern's defense forced Penn State (8-8, 2-3 B1G) into 13 turnovers and held the Nittany Lions to an 18% (3-for-17) mark from 3-point range, holding an opponent under 20% from deep for the second time this season. Berry also recorded a game-high four steals. The Wildcats connected on 58% (7-for-12) of their 3-point attempts, and were sparked by Berry's 4-for-5 performance. NU hit 61% of its field goal attempts, its highest percentage in a conference game since 2010-11.
How It Happened
Penn State scored the game's first six points before Northwestern got on the scoreboard. The 'Cats slowly chipped away at the lead, tying the game at 21, before Penn State finished the half strong to take a 40-32 lead into halftime. The Wildcats held Penn State to 1-for-10 from behind the arc in the first half.
The teams traded baskets in the early stages of the second half before Northwestern exploded for a 15-0 run to take a 62-55 lead with 9:18 remaining. PSU fought back with a 6-0 run of its own, but the 'Cats never trailed the rest of the way en route to a 76-72 win. NU shot 78.9% from the field in the second half to close out the game.
Game Notes
» Northwestern won its first game at Penn State since Dec. 27, 2016.
» Barnhizer recorded the second 20-point game of his career and second this season.
» Buie has posted 18 assists over his last two games (10 vs. Michigan State). He the only high-major player averaging 18+ points and 5+ assists per game this season.
» Berry has shot 50% or better from distance in five straight games.
Northwestern travels to face No. 15 Wisconsin at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Jan. 13. The game will air on BTN and WGN Radio 720.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
