Penn State basketball hadn’t won at Michigan State in nearly five years heading into Wednesday’s game. Sunday’s performance against Oregon, though, – without lead guard Ace Baldwin Jr. – provided some hope that PSU had the depth to go toe-to-toe with one of the deepest teams in college basketball.
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With Baldwin returning to the starting lineup and the promise of others contributing in the scoring column, there was a clear “how-to” list for Penn State snapping its cold streak on the road against the Spartans.
But in a wire-to-wire win for Michigan State – a game in which it never trailed – it was clear that one team had 10-11 guys that are capable contributors, while the other might still be a ways away from actualizing that promise.
DUNN IT ALL BUT NOT ENOUGH
D’Marco Dunn had a career-high 18 points (7-of-13 field goal shooting) against No. 12 Michigan State. (Penn State Athletics)
On Sunday, D’Marco Dunn was the only bench player to score for Penn State, but his four points were outdone by Oregon’s 28.
On Wednesday – after Mike Rhoades said he needed more from his reserves – Dunn responded with his best collegiate performance to date, dropping a career-high 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting. His production accounted for 60 percent of Penn State’s bench scoring, answering Rhoades’ call for more. But like Sunday, PSU’s bench lost the backup minutes to Michigan State 45-30.
Although Rhoades is looking for more production farther down on his depth chart, he has been top-heavy in how he distributes his minutes. For instance, Tom Izzo had nine players play at least 18 minutes or more Wednesday. Two of them, Jeremy Fears Jr. (22 minutes, eight points and seven assists) and Jase Richardson (25 minutes, seven points and two rebounds), are freshmen. Rhoades had six players register 20-plus minutes, but Baldwin, Dunn and Zach Hicks all played 35 minutes or more. The only freshman to play for Penn State was Miles Goodman, who logged a whole two minutes.
Upperclassmen have the responsibility to carry most of the load. Still, it seems that Rhoades has no desire or trust to play younger guys for extended, consistent stretches that could provide some energy (Goodman) or scoring punch (Dominick Stewart). Younger talent needs oxygen to reach its full potential, and with key departures looming at season’s end, Mike Rhoades could find the bench production he’s looking for this season in the players that will be the future of Penn State basketball.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.‘ACE IS A WARRIOR’
Ace Baldwin Jr. returned for Penn State and had 20 points and nine assists against No. 12 Michigan State. (Malloreigh Yingling/Penn State Athletics)
After missing one game due to back tightness and spasming, Baldwin returned and delivered a 20-point, nine-assist night against one of the best defenses in the nation.
Most of Baldwin’s production came from the free-throw line, where he shot 11-for-12, but that’s to be expected from the second-best free-throw shooter in the country. What might not have been expected is the fearlessness Baldwin attacked the basket with over and over again with a bad back. The fifth-year guard threw his body at rim protectors and sought out contact on the perimeter from eager defenders. His willingness to be the aggressor and force opponents to foul him is a major reason why Penn State takes 23 free throws per game (PSU shot 25 against Michigan State).
While the only in-game sign fans got of Baldwin’s pain might’ve come on the defensive end, one would’ve never guessed that he was struggling. During timeouts, the Big Ten Network’s Andy Katz reported that Baldwin would wrap up his midsection to treat his ailment before returning to the court. Those brief intermissions must’ve been bliss as they were the only minutes Baldwin wasn’t playing basketball. He played all 40 minutes in his return.
“Well, No. 1, Ace is a warrior,” Rhoades said of Baldwin postgame.
“We’re asking him to do a lot. That’s what senior leaders do. I’m proud of his effort and approach.”
Penn State’s next game will be Monday evening at home against Rutgers. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30.
