Setting the Standard: Back-to-back 100-plus point games for the first time in program history

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – For the first time in program history, Penn State men’s basketball reached 100-plus points in back-to-back games.

Penn State beat UMBC 103-54, moving to 2-0 on the season.

“It’s setting the standard for who we are, and what we’re presenting to the Big Ten. We can score a lot and play defense. We are who we are,” said senior guard D’Marco Dunn on the impact of back-to-back 100-plus point games on this team’s confidence.

Freshman Jahvin Carter sank the three-point jumper off of a fast break that moved the Nittany Lions from 98 to 101 points.

“I’m going to throw these freshmen in the fire. They’re talented,” said head coach Mike Rhoades on Carter’s and Dominick Stewart’s performance tonight.

Carter scored 12 points, tied with Zach Hicks as the third-leading scorer. He went 3-of-3 on his threes, after going 0-of-5 in the season opener.

Struggling to find an offensive tempo early, the Nittany Lions entered halftime with just a 15-point lead over UMBC.

They couldn’t consistently work the inside-outside game and were 1-of-8 beyond the arc.

Shooting 60% from beyond the arc in the second half helped Penn State expand their 15-point lead into a 49-point lead.

“Guys gave up good opportunities to get great opportunities,” said Rhoades on Penn State’s ability to create sustained second-half offense.

He emphasized the depth of the team and that when the ball gets hot, multiple players can drive and shoot.

Penn State reached the bonus each half which allowed them to shoot 29 free throws.

“I think that’s our game plan. I think we have a lot of guys who get downhill, a lot of big guards, aggressive guards, top guards in the country, and I say, college basketball. Even our bigs,” said Dunn on the offensive aggression to get to the free throw line.

Depth and versatility are the keys to this 2024 team as eleven players scored tonight.

The bench contributed 51 points, its highest effort since 2005.

Yanic Konan Niederhauser led the Nittany Lions with 18 points and nine rebounds.

“He brings a different type of presence, a different type of big man than we had before…He’s a game changer,” said Dunn on the impact of Konan Niederhauser.

Konan Niederhauser, who finished with a double-double in both games this season, said he’s ready for any role.

“If I have to play strong posts, that’s what I’m going to do. If it’s more face-offs, that’s what I’ll do.”

Penn State continued their aggressive defense from Monday, forcing 17 Retriever turnovers.

Jim Ferry, the head coach of UMBC, served as Penn State’s interim head coach during the 2020-21 season and an assistant coach from 2018-2020.

“I just hope everybody in this area gets behind the Penn State basketball program because you can do something special here…That’s a really good team, and they’re going to play hard for everybody all the time,” said Ferry.

He also complimented Rhoades on how he’s built the year two program to provide support for Ace Baldwin Jr.

Baldwin Jr. finished the night at a plus 41 and seven points.

“(Baldwin Jr.) cares about one thing and one thing only: his team winning. It’s a great lesson for all of our young guys.”

Penn State looks to maintain its scoring and winning streak next Tuesday, Nov. 12 at home against St. Francis PA with a 7:00 p.m. tipoff.

Julia Henry is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism and labor and human resources. To contact her, email jbh6443@psu.edu.