At lengthy final, the Nittany Lions are again within the Big Dance!
Penn State is lastly heading again to the Big Dance in simply 12 months two of the Micah Shrewsberry period. On the power of a 22-13 report, the Nittany Lions have been chosen for the NCAA Tournament for the primary time for the reason that 2010-2011 season. Penn State will play on Thursday, tipping off with 7-seed Texas A&M as a part of the Midwest area.
It was fairly the trip to get there – at occasions hopeful and joyous, at occasions full of despair and frustration, generally bouncing wildly forwards and backwards – simply as we’d come to anticipate for any long-time Penn State Basketball followers.
An 11-3 begin despatched waves of optimism for a tourney bid by means of Nittany Nation, because the staff picked up high quality victories in non-conference play and a 2-1 begin within the Big Ten which included a victory over then- No. 17 Illinois. A 1-3 stretch following the new begin sowed doubt, however victories towards Nebraska and Michigan appeared to assist the staff proper the ship as they stood at 14-7 on the midway level of convention play.
The wheels then appeared to fall off, because the Nittany Lions misplaced 4 straight, with second half lulls occurring with alarming frequency. It appeared as if Penn State could be settling for one more NIT berth…
However, as rapidly as issues appeared to be sinking, they have been simply as fast to make issues proper. A sizzling taking pictures night time towards Illinois kicked off a 5-1 stretch to finish the common season. The Nittany Lions particularly proved their mettle within the remaining two video games of the season. As they discovered themselves on the slipperiest of footing atop the bubble, Penn State discovered a strategy to earn gritty back-to-back victories towards ranked opponents, first an unbelievable additional time win at Northwestern, adopted by a Senior Day prompt basic comeback victory over Maryland. Both occasions the staff made the proper performs after they wanted them essentially the most to clinch two season-defining victories.
The spherical one Big Ten Tournament victory towards Illinois closely solidified their place within the NCAA Tournament – hopefully, the primary of most of the Micah Shrewsberry period. Penn State then managed the sport in upsets over two-seed Northwestern and four-seed Indiana, demonstrating not simply that they belonged – however that they’re battle examined and ready to do some harm this March.
It was fairly the trip to get right here. Check again for extra protection as Penn State prepares to face Texas A&M on Thursday.
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