For the first time since 2011, Penn State walked off the floor against Wisconsin as the victors. The Nittany Lions finally conquered Badger mountain and picked up their third Big Ten win of the season while also adding a well-deserved marquee win to their resume.
| 1st | 2nd | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 34 | 37 | 71 |
| Penn State | 31 | 50 | 81 |
Myreon Jones led all scorers in the game with 20 (8/12 from the floor, 3-3 from deep) with Izaiah Brockington right behind him with 18 points (8/15). John Harrar was a standout performer for the Lions, especially in the second half, and ended the day with a career-high 17 points and 8 rebounds. Brockington led the team with 9 boards, and Jamari Wheeler paced both teams with 5 assists. Nate Reuvers led Wisconsin with 18 points.
The Lions rode a huge second half to victory and held the advantage on the scoreboard for most of the final 20 minutes. As per usual, Wheeler led the way for the team on the defensive end with 2 steals and his trademarked general peskiness.
Something we're thankful for:
— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) January 30, 2021
Not having to take the ball up the court vs. @PennStateMBB's @Jamariwheeler5. pic.twitter.com/CM5pLGqWQQ
Unlike most of their other upset wins over the past few years, this one didn't come as a result of impossibly hot shooting, as the team shot a pedestrian 45% from the field. This was simply a case of one team straight-up outplaying the other – something that Penn State cannot say it has done with regularity when it comes to Wisconsin.
| Team | Player | |
| PSU | Myreon Jones (20) | Points |
| UW | Nate Reuvers (18) | |
| PSU | Izaiah Brockington (18) | Rebounds |
| UW | Tyler Wahl (10) | |
| PSU | Jamari Wheeler (5) | Assists |
| UW | Davison/Trice (3) |
Despite the big offensive games from Jones and Brockington, Harrar was the true star of this one. Few would have guessed a few years ago that Harrar would develop into a quality Big Ten big man, but that's exactly what has happened. His rebounding prowess has been evident from day one, where he has consistently proven himself one of the best in the conference on the offensive glass, but he is reaching a new level as a scorer in 2021. And once again, he was able to stay on the floor, picking up just 2 fouls.
Look at John Harrar run the floor.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 30, 2021
After that, look at the @PennStateMBB big finish the absurd And-1 on Brad Davison. pic.twitter.com/5wHgqZ8hQj
Saturday's win also featured the return of Sam Sessoms to the floor after the integral sixth-man missed the Ohio State game. Sessoms ended with 8 points and 3 personal fouls.
Finally, as happy as I am about Penn State winning this game, a part of me will be sad that there will be less of a reason to bring up the 36-33 2011 B1G tourney game now that it isn't the last Nittany Lion win against Wisconsin (please watch this majesty).
Penn State will look to double up with another win over Wisconsin on Tuesday (Feb. 2). The game will tip-off at 7:00 pm EST on BTN. Make sure you stick with Roar Lions Roar for our coverage.
