The [autotag]Mike Rhoades[/autotag] era in Happy Valley is off to a flying start with two wins, where the Nittany Lions offense scored over 70 points in both games. Penn State will welcome in the St. Francis Red Flash, who began the season in California and return to Pennsylvania with an 0-3 record. Despite only being 62 miles apart, it will be the first time the two programs have met since 2012 and the 13th all-time meeting.
The Nittany Lions have been led by sophomore guard [autotag]Kanye Clary[/autotag], averaging 21 points on a scorching 60% shooting. While Clary has been the breakout star, the defense has been everything you’d expect from a Mike Rhoades-coached team. Led by point guard [autotag]Ace Baldwin[/autotag], who leads the Big Ten with 3.5 steals per game, Penn State’s defense has held its two opponents to a 33% FG and a 13% 3FG%.
In Saint Francis’ three games, they have failed to eclipse 60 points, so the Nittany Lions should be able to put together another strong defensive performance. Qudus Wahab has been a menace on the glass and leads the Big Ten with 15.5 rebounds per game, only behind North Carolina big man Armando Bacot in the national rankings.
Alongside Clary, fellow sophomore [autotag]Jameel Brown[/autotag] has averaged 14 points per game, and the duo has already combined for 70 points in Penn State’s two games. One thing to watch for tonight is whether North Carolina transfer Puff Johnson suits up for the first time this season. Rhoades plans on relying on Johnson heavily, but the forward has been nursing an injury.
After beating Delaware State and Lehigh in the first week of the season, Penn State hopes to continue their strong start against the Red Flash this evening and begin 3-0 for the third time in the last five years. Tipoff at the Bryce Jordan Center is set for 7 p.m. and will air on the Big Ten Network.