Game Preview: Penn State vs. Bucknell

Audio/Story posted November 18, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Ben Serfass

Host Andrew Field is joined by Jack McCune, Ben Geller and Derek Heid as they preview the upcoming matchup for Penn State vs. Bucknell on Tuesday and discuss players to watch and keys to the game.

The Nittany Lions will look to continue their winning ways as they welcome Bucknell to Happy Valley this Tuesday. Penn State is unbeaten through its first four contests and have lived up to its high expectations for the season so far.

Statement win

Penn State traveled to Georgetown for its first road game of the season and went on to defeat the Hoyas 81-66. This was also the first time that the Nittany Lions were not favored to win in the early season.

Myreon Jones led the way, as he tallied 21 points in the game. Myles Dread and Lamar Stevens also chipped in 14 points each. 

The victory over Georgetown marked Stevens’ 17th consecutive game in which he scored over at least 10 points. The last time he failed to do so was a loss last season on Jan. 16, scoring only eight points against Iowa.

Better late than never

Although he was on the court for the full 20 minutes, Stevens was absent from the first half against Georgetown. Stevens had a rough start from the field, as he missed his first five shots and only converted on one of his first four free-throw attempts. At the end of the first half, Stevens had registered a total of just four points.

The senior was able to find success scoring in the second half of the game. He finished the game with 14 points and helped the Nittany Lions hold on to their lead.

Emerging star

Sophomore Myreon Jones is becoming a bigger part of the Penn State offense every game. Jones has increased his scoring totals in every game this season, and his 3-point shooting ability has played a large part in that.

Although it is still early, Jones is shooting over 50% from the field and is 9 of 16 from 3-point range. He has already surpassed his season total from last year, in which he only made seven 3-point attempts.

Final analysis

Penn State’s opponent, Bucknell, enters Tuesday night’s game with a 2-2 record, featuring wins over Hofstra and Fairfield and losses to Vermont and Canisius. Although the Bison are always a favorite to win the Patriot League, they’re no match for Penn State. Using their physical defense and improved shooting ability, the Nittany Lions should be able to overpower Bucknell for a full 40 minutes.

Prediction: Penn State 82, Bucknell 67

 

Ben Serfass is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email bxs1001@psu.edu.