Penn State Fall to Michigan in New York City
The Penn State Nittany Lions headed north Saturday to take on the Michigan Wolverines at historic Madison Square Garden as part of a double-header with the Penn State men’s hockey team. While Penn State fans traveled in herds to the Big Apple, the team fell 79-72 to the Wolverines despite a end of game rally.
In the opening minutes of the game, Michigan (17-5, 7-2) jumped to a 13-5 lead over Penn State (11-11, 2-7) who struggled to defend the Wolverines on the perimeter. In the first half, Michigan shot 13-for-27 while Penn State shot only 8-for-25.
Despite a few good plays from the Lions, Michigan led Penn State by double digits three times during the first half and headed to the locker room with a 38-26 lead over Penn State.
The second half was similar to the first with Michigan dominating the opening minutes. While the Nittany Lions were able to get a few good possessions early on in the half, Michigan’s counter-attack’s left Penn State struggling to gain momentum.
Shep Garner was the highlight for the Lions in the second half, as he scored eight straight points to help the Michigan lead. With two minutes to go and down eight, the Nittany Lions were unable to rally and ended the game with a 79-72 loss.
Garner ended the game with 22 points while Brandon Taylor led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite the result, Chambers saw a lot of growth during the game. ''We've got a youthful team and when they make mistakes, because they want to be perfect, it hurts for that 3-to-4 minute spurt that the other team goes on.... these younger kids are getting better and I am gaining more confidence in them.''
Up next for Penn State is a trip to No. 3 Iowa on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 7p.m. The matchup will be aired on ESPNU.
In the opening minutes of the game, Michigan (17-5, 7-2) jumped to a 13-5 lead over Penn State (11-11, 2-7) who struggled to defend the Wolverines on the perimeter. In the first half, Michigan shot 13-for-27 while Penn State shot only 8-for-25.
Despite a few good plays from the Lions, Michigan led Penn State by double digits three times during the first half and headed to the locker room with a 38-26 lead over Penn State.
The second half was similar to the first with Michigan dominating the opening minutes. While the Nittany Lions were able to get a few good possessions early on in the half, Michigan’s counter-attack’s left Penn State struggling to gain momentum.
Shep Garner was the highlight for the Lions in the second half, as he scored eight straight points to help the Michigan lead. With two minutes to go and down eight, the Nittany Lions were unable to rally and ended the game with a 79-72 loss.
Garner ended the game with 22 points while Brandon Taylor led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite the result, Chambers saw a lot of growth during the game. ''We've got a youthful team and when they make mistakes, because they want to be perfect, it hurts for that 3-to-4 minute spurt that the other team goes on.... these younger kids are getting better and I am gaining more confidence in them.''
Up next for Penn State is a trip to No. 3 Iowa on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 7p.m. The matchup will be aired on ESPNU.
