Penn State Basketball: 2019-20 keys to victory over Michigan Wolverines

Penn State’s outside game

Sophomore guard Myreon Jones is Penn State’s clutch 3-point shooter. Over eighteen games, Mr. Jones is tied with Minnesota’s Payton Willis for third in the conference with 2.3 made treys per game. Jones is averaging 39.8% from three-point range this year. When “Buckets” gets hot, look out. He can help stretch the defense and provide driving lanes of opportunity for Lamar Stevens, Izaiah Brockington, and he even creates driving lanes for himself.

Freshman small forward Seth Lundy has earned two starts and his outside shot has provided some much-needed scoring for the Nittany Lions. Over his two starts, Lundy has drained 50% of his threes going 6-12 from beyond the arc. After Penn State’s win over Ohio State, Head Coach Pat Chambers was asked if Lundy would stay a starter. Chambers replied, “As long as he keeps producing”.  This young man has a starting spot until he loses it. It’s a win-win for Penn State’s program. The team gains a shooter that can stretch the opposing defense and Lundy gains valuable experience which will help the team next year.

Myles Dread snapped a three-point scoring drought against Ohio State, draining a three and playing 26 minutes off the bench. Fans of the Blue and White are hoping Myles is back on track from outside, now that he finally saw a long-distance shot go through the net. Likewise, Curtis Jones, Jr. went 3-6 from three-point land over the past two games.

Penn State’s ability to shoot the three will determine if the Michigan defense is forced to come out and contest the long-range shot or if they can pack it in the paint and stymie driving lanes.

Big Ten scoring leader statistics show Lamar Stevens sitting in fourth place averaging 16.6 ppg. The question I have is can he stay on the court for a full game?