Penn State (13-6, 3-5) ended its four-game losing streak by defeating Rutgers (10-9, 4-4) 80-72 behind Ace Baldwin Jr.’s (22 points, eight assists and five steals) and Yanic Konan Niederhauser’s (18 points) combined 40 points.
Nick Kern Jr. scored 16 and Freddie Dilione V contributed 12 points (4-of-4 from 3) in the win.
Ace Baily had his second 30-point game for Rutgers.
Overall, Penn State shot 49% from the field and made 10 of its 21 3s (48%). Rutgers shot 50% from the field and 33% from deep.
Key First-Half Moment: After trailing 9-2 early into the opening half, Penn State shot its way back into the game, going 7-of-12 from 3-point range. Freddie Dilione V went a perfect 3-for-3 from 3 for nine first-half points. Neither team led by more than seven points as there were nine lead changes and three ties before the intermission.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Key Second-Half Moment: A Bailey jumper put the Scarlet Knights up 53-50, but that would be the last lead they held. Penn State made a key defensive switch to zone for multiple possessions, helping it hold Rutgers to 7-of-17 shooting (Bailey accounted for six of those makes) over the final 10 minutes and 13 seconds.
Deciding Factor: Bailey had his second 30-point game of the year, but Dylan Harper — who rolled his ankle in the first half — was held to seven points on 3-for-11 shooting. Penn State also forced Rutgers into a season-high 17 turnovers.
Penn State’s next game will be on Friday at Iowa. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m.
