After three games into the regular season, Nittany Sports Now dived into some statistics and analysis for Penn State basketball.
There are definitely some good numbers so far, but there are also definitely some concerning numbers Penn State will need to improve in to be competitive in the Big Ten.
THE GOOD
First, it seems, overall, Penn State is a more talented team than it was last year. Every opposing coach has mentioned this at their postgame press conference, too. They are also a more physical team, which is needed in Big Ten play. Coach Mike Rhoades made the point over and over again that his main goal in the offseason was to get bigger, older and stronger. So mission accomplished in that regard, but whether this translates into more Big Ten wins (Penn State won three conference games last year) is to be determined.
The Nittany Lions also seem to have a deeper bench which means fresher bodies and legs that can be rotated into live action and not be at a disadvantage. So far this year, Penn State’s bench has averaged 34 points per game.
Also, being a prototype Big Ten physical team this season means they’ll probably be drawing more fouls this year. This has come to fruition so far. PSU has averaged 38 foul shots per game and has been shooting a solid 82 percent from the free throw line. This is a good recipe for success.
Penn State has also been physically-imposing its will on teams to create higher percentage shots for itself. The Nittany Lions are averaging 90 points per game and shooting 48% from the field (81-168).
Their physicality has also led to better rebounding. Against a solid Pitt team this past Sunday, the Nittany Lions outrebounded the Panthers 37-28. For the year so far in rebounding, PSU is at a +12 advantage averaging 41 rebounds per game.
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The main glaring statistic Penn State has produced so far is shooting a lowly 26% from 3. This isn’t good, especially for a team that Rhoades said is his best shooting team he’s had since being at Rice. This will need to improve drastically.
The second-most glaring statistic NSN has seen is the points in the paint they have given up in just three games. When a team gives up too many points in the paint this can mean numerous things, but Penn State’s overall on-ball defense needs to improve. PSU is allowing too many dribble drives to the hoop, which leads to higher percentage shots for the opposing team. Plus, when the opposing penetrator makes Penn State’s defense have to crash-down, this allows for easy kick-outs for a non-contested shot from beyond the arc. The Nittany Lions have allowed 41 points per game in the paint. But probably their most athletic, on-ball guard defender, Roberts Blums, has been inactive the past two games due to a broken finger and is expected to be out for a few weeks.
The third glaring statistic NSN has noticed are the turnovers. Penn State is averaging 13 turnovers per game, which is too many. Against Pitt, the Nittany Lions had 16 turnovers and loss the game by only six points.
There’s still a lot to be determined and it will be interesting to see how this Nittany Lion squad develops as the season unfolds.
Penn State’s next game is against Mercyhurst (1-2) Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 P.M. inside the Bryce Jordan Center. The Lakers two losses were away against Marquette and Notre Dame and their win was against Penn State Shenango.
Stay with Nittany Sports Now for all your Penn State Basketball news and coverage.
