Penn State takes its high-octane offense on the street Saturday when it visits Drexel in Philadelphia.
The Nittany Lions (9-2) rank within the high 10 nationally in factors per recreation (89.6), field-goal proportion (51.6), steals (10.5) and assists (19.3). This system’s finest 11-game begin since 2019-20 is led by dynamic level guard Ace Baldwin Jr. and a wide range of proficient shooters.
Baldwin averages 8.7 assists — third within the nation — and is coming off a school-record 16-assist efficiency in final Saturday’s 99-51 win over Coppin State. Yanic Konan Niederhauser scored 14 factors, whereas Zach Hicks, Jahvin Carter, D’Marco Dunn and Dominick Stewart every made a number of 3-pointers.
“Ace would quite have an help than a basket, however he does each,” Penn State coach Mike Rhoades mentioned of the senior, who additionally averages 14.1 factors whereas taking pictures 93.0 p.c from the foul line. “He is been setting the desk for his teammates and he did that at such a excessive stage in the present day. Over 700 profession assists is not any small feat.”
Rhoades is worked up for the potential to show his bettering program to the Philadelphia crowd.
“To get again within the Philly space, we’ll recruit that space on a regular basis and we have now some guys from down there as properly,” Rhoades mentioned.
Drexel (8-4) has gained three straight video games, most just lately a 68-65 street victory over Howard on Tuesday. Jason Drake scored a career-high 21 factors, whereas Yame Butler chipped in 16 factors.
“The margin (between) success/reduction and shedding/distress — nonetheless you need to outline it — is razor skinny,” Dragons coach Zach Spiker mentioned.
Kobe MaGee, who’s Drexel’s main scorer at 15.3 factors per recreation, has struggled along with his taking pictures in three of the final 4 contests. He shot 3 of 10 towards Howard, ending with 9 factors to go along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Nittany Lions are 6-0 all-time towards the Dragons, though the groups haven’t met since 2015.
–Discipline Stage Media
