Field Level Media
Jan 30, 2021
Myreon Jones had 20 points as Penn State benefited from timely shooting and strong defense to record an 81-71 victory over No. 14 Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon in University Park, Pa.
Izaiah Brockington added 18 points and nine rebounds and John Harrar had 17 points for Penn State (6-7, 3-6 Big Ten), which has won three of its last four games.
The Badgers (13-5, 7-4) received 18 points from Nate Reuvers, 15 from Aleem Ford and 13 points and 10 rebounds from Tyler Wahl.
Forward Micah Potter, who recorded seven straight games of scoring in double figures, was held to six points of 3-of-7 shooting from the floor.
The Nittany Lions shot 45 percent (27 of 60) from the floor and 33.3 percent (8 of 24) from 3-point range. They also benefited from 12 turnovers committed by Wisconsin.
The Nittany Lions made 53.6 percent of their shots in the second half.
Wisconsin made just 7 of 28 shots from 3-point range for the game en route to its second loss in five games. Overall, the Badgers shot 43.9 percent (29 of 66) from the field.
Harrar's steal and layup, plus a free throw with 2:37 remaining, gave Penn State a 67-58 lead, the largest of the game for the Nittany Lions.
After struggling late in close games, Penn State held on for the win, as Harrar sealed it with two free throws with 1:08 to play.
After trailing 34-31 at halftime, the Nittany Lions took the lead with 17:35 to play in the second half on a Jones jumper. They never relinquished the lead.
Penn State stopped a 13-game losing streak to the Badgers, who were 9-1 on the road against the Nittany Lions since 2010.
Saturday's game was originally scheduled for Jan. 3. The two teams head west to Madison, Wis. for their next game on Tuesday.
--Field Level Media