Penn State Handles Northwood in Exhibition Matchup
Penn State men's basketball unofficially opened its season by beating Northwood University 98-61 on Sunday. Forward Ross Travis led Penn State with 17 points in the exhibition game.
After trailing 11-2, just two minutes into the game, Nittany Lions head coach Pat Chambers took a timeout to regroup the team on the sidelines. Penn State responded well, as they went on a 13-4 run to take a one-point lead.
Tim Frazier explained that during the timeout, “[Chambers] just told everyone to settle down and take a deep breath and go out and play Penn State basketball.”
The Nittany Lions dominated the rest of the first half. After 20 minutes of action, the score at the break, was Nittany Lions 52, Seahawks 30. Penn State guard and one of the top returning Big Ten scorer, DJ Newbill contributed 11 points to the PSU first half effort.
Just four minutes into the second half, Newbill left the court with an apparent knee injury, but later returned to the bench. He did not play another minute in the game. Head coach Pat Chambers said that Newbill just cramped up and that he should be a go for next week's game.
Pre-season All-Big Ten selection Tim Frazier notched 11 points in his return to the Bryce Jordan Center. He also added six assists in the win. Even with the strong effort, Chambers said the best is yet to come from the point guard.
“[Frazier's] trying to find his pace, find his rhythm,” said Chambers. “He's gonna be a little rusty.”
Northwood was led by Chirs Solomon, who contributed 19 points in the losing effort. Legendary Seahawk coach Rollie Massimino, received a standing ovation from the Penn State crowd before the matchup.
Next week, Penn State hosts Wagner in the BJC on Saturday. Game time is 4:00 p.m.
Brendan May is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact him, email bxm5226@psu.edu.