Busting Brackets
Fansided

2023 Bracketology: Kentucky, Indiana, and Texas Tech among week’s biggest winners

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 18, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) walks off the court after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) walks off the court after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 11
Next
Big Ten Basketball
Bracketology Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Penn State Nittany Lions

After four straight losses, the Nittany Lions have found themselves on the wrong side of the bubble in Bracketology. They essentially needed to go 2-0 to remain in the mix or become a complete afterthought. The first game was at home against Illinois, one of the few teams in the Big Ten that would represent a big win on the resume.

Penn State had one of its best offensive performances of the season, scoring 53 points in the first half alone. They won the game against the Fighting Illini, 93-81, shooting 58% from the field. Jalen Pickett was the star of the game, scoring a career-high 41 points and eight assists on 15/20 shooting.

The next game was on the road at Minnesota, a matchup that wouldn’t do anything positive for the Nittany Lions but can be the final nail in the coffin if they were to lose. It was another strong offensive start for Penn State but the Gophers were able to remain in the mix for a good part of the game. The good news is that the Nittany Lions prevailed, 76-69. Pickett had another strong game, going for 32 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.

Penn State saved its season this week but has two tougher games coming. The first is on the road at Ohio State, before taking on Rutgers at home. Both represent Quad 1 opportunities and based on the hole that the Lions have dug itself, need to win both.

Home/Bracketology