After back-to-back 100-point outings for Penn State, its national standing has risen dramatically.

Per KenPom’s net rating, PSU currently sits at 44 after starting the season at 61.

Friday night’s 103-54 win over the University of Maryland, Baltimore County marked the first time that Penn State scored more than 100 points in consecutive games. It was also its first 100-point outing since 2017.

Penn State is 2-0 through its first two games and is averaging over 100 points. Photo via Penn State Athletics

VERSATILE SCHEMES, NIEDERHAUSER’S ON-BALL SKILLS AND DUNN’S BENCH PRODUCTION | TAKEAWAYS FROM PENN STATE’S 2-0 START

Yanic Konan Niederhauser dominated the game on both ends of the floor, registering 18 points, nine rebounds and four stocks (blocks and steals). D’Marco Dunn provided some firepower off the bench with 16 points and two threes.

Niederhauser has had two great showings, averaging 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. He is one of four players for PSU averaging double-digit points, as Zach Hicks (17), Dunn (14) and Ace Baldwin Jr. (11) are combining for 42 points a night.

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According to Sports Reference, Penn State is shooting 52 percent from the field and 42 percent from three, both marks good for third in the Big Ten early on. PSU is also leading the conference in pace and steals so far this season.

Even with PSU climbing the KenPom rankings, its schedule has been favorable, which when adjusting for would rank Penn State 320th out of 364 schools in net rating.

Penn State’s schedule should perk up over the next three games though, with matchups against Virginia Tech (96 in net) and Purdue Fort Wayne (136 in net).

Before those games, PSU will take on Saint Francis Tuesday at the Brye Jordan Center at 7 p.m. The game will also be streaming on Peacock.