Everything was clicking for a new-look Penn State basketball roster in a dominating season-opening victory over Canisius on Monday night in the Bryce Jordan Center. Roko Prkačin had a dazzling night in his college debut with 28 points and 6 rebounds in Penn State's 97-57 victory.
Prkačin was feeling it in the blowout victory, shooting 12-of-14 from the field and sinking 4 of 5 free throws. Although this was his collegiate debut, Prkačin is an experienced baller with years of European experience coming into the year. The experience showed as Prkačin set the tone with his play. He helped keep the offense alive with 4 offensive rebounds for second-chance point opportunities for the Nittany Lions.
It was not just Prkačin who provided some positive
sparks. Forward Ivan Jurić scored 14 points and pulled 15 rebounds for a double-double and a career-high in rebounds in a game. Josh Reed added 12 points and a couple of rebounds.
Penn State's defense also dominated Canisius. The Nittany Lions held Canisius to a 39.3% shooting percentage. Canisius shot 4-of-22 from three-point range. Penn State was expected to dominate the season opener against Canisius, so it was encouraging to see the results go as expected for a roster that has been overhauled as much as this Penn State roster has.
Penn State will be back in action on Thursday evening when the Nittany Lions host Chattanooga in the Bryce Jordan Center. The game is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. tipoff on the Big Ten Network.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Roko Prkačin shines in Penn State basketball season-opening rout
