What is the story about?
How To Watch
Who:
Providence Friars Record: 3-2 When: Saturday, November 22, 4:00 p.m. EST Where: Mohegan Sun Arena , Uncasville, CT Kenpom Ranking (PSU): 70 (91) TV: TruTV Radio: Penn State Sports Network Vegas Line: N/A Over/Under: N/A
What To Watch For
- There was a point guard on Penn State, and Mingo was his name-o….
- Kayden Mingo is critical to the success of the Nittany Lions (said Captain Obvious). The freshman guard averages 17 points, four assists, and nearly five rebounds per game, making half of his shots. The objective is clear for the Friars: stop Kayden Mingo, and the Nittany Lions will have an extremely difficult time getting their sixth victory of the season.
- Guard play will be critical
- Related to the above, the Nittany Lions’ three leading scorers (and indeed, the only ones averaging double figures) are all guards. Joining Mingo are freshman Melih Tunca, and junior Freddie Dilione, both of whom stand at 6’5”. Tunca is second on the team in assists, and shoots 55% from three-point range, while Dilione will look to approach his season-high in points, 19 against Navy, if Penn State wants to remain competitive. On the other side, Jason Edwards leads the Friars, averaging 20 points, nearly five assists, and three rebounds per game. Edwards is coming off of two stellar performances in his last two outings, including 25 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and three steals in a blowout victory over New Hampshire. He isn’t alone, with four other guards averaging double figures, including 16-points per game Jaylin Sellars.
- Watch out for the paint
- 6’10” forward Oswin Erhunmwunse will be a challenge down low for the Nittany Lions. The Nigerian sophomore averages over six points, eight rebounds, and four blocks per game, including an 11/11/4 performance in a six-point loss to Virginia Tech earlier this season. Seven-footer Ivan Juric has shown flashes this season, but will need to take a giant leap to give Penn State a chance in this one.
Prediction
Penn State is in a tough spot relying on their three top guards. Providence has balance and explosiveness on the perimeter, and their post play is just too much for the young post players at this point in the season.
Providence 82, Penn State 70
