You perhaps have heard, Penn State Basketball is RANKED within the AP Poll for the primary time since January 1996. Not only are the Lions within the AP and therefore the Coaches Poll (No. 24), they debuted within the first NCAA NET Rankings at No. 18 (currently No. 17).
They'll play their first game as a ranked team against one among the worst opponents within the country. Central Connecticut State is winless, and hasn't been particularly on the brink of notching a "W." The Blue Devils have two 2-point losses to Maine and UMass-Lowell, but their next closest loss is by 14 points to New Hampshire.
PROJECTED STARTERS
PENN STATE ALABAMA
G Jamari Wheeler - 6'1" - Jr. G Zach Newkirk - 6'1" - So.
G Myles Dread - 6'4" - So. G Jamir Reed - 6'4" - Fr.
G Myreon Jones - 6'3" - So. G Greg Outlaw - 6'4" - Fr.
F Lamar Stevens - 6'8" - Sr. F Jamir Coleman - 6'7" - Sr.
F Mike Watkins - 6'9" - Sr. F Stephane Ayangma - 6'6" - Jr.
SCOUTING REPORT
To put it lightly, Central Connecticut isn't good. Donyell Marshall's squad ranks 350th in KenPom offense and 344th in KenPom defense. It averages just 20 made FG per game and allows opponents to shoot 47% from the ground. Leading scorer Greg Outlaw may be a freshman and averages 10.7 points/game. he's the sole Blue Devil to average in double figures. For all of that, it are often a pesky bunch. they do not play particularly fast, but can turn you over.
KEYS TO the sport
Start fast, rest starters. Mike Watkins and Lamar Stevens should feast on the undersized Blue Devils. Feed the post early, build a lead, get backups many playing time.
Focus on fundamentals. Penn State may be a dynamic defensive squad and will haven't any trouble locking down Central Connecticut on offense. Keep it basic, lookout of the ball, win the sport.
Experience time. Seth Lundy must play plenty during this game, and it might be good to urge tons of minutes for guys who normally don't play integral roles. At some point in Big Ten play, depth are going to be crucial, and this is often an honest opportunity to create confidence therein group.
PREDICTION
No got to belabor the purpose, Penn State should win this one departure. lookout of business, enjoy the vacations, come in nine days to blast Cornell. Penn State 88, Central Connecticut 52.