Dec 5, 2024; College Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Ace Baldwin Jr (1) drives the ball to the basket as Purdue Boilermakers ahead Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) defends throughout the first half at Bryce Jordan Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Photographs Penn State takes its high-octane offense on the street Saturday when it visits Drexel in Philadelphia.
The Nittany Lions (9-2) rank within the prime 10 nationally in factors per sport (89.6), field-goal share (51.6), steals (10.5) and assists (19.3). This system’s greatest 11-game begin since 2019-20 is led by dynamic level guard Ace Baldwin Jr. and quite a lot of proficient shooters.
Baldwin averages 8.7 assists — third within the nation — and is coming off a school-record 16-assist efficiency in final Saturday’s 99-51 win over Coppin State. Yanic Konan Niederhauser scored 14 factors, whereas Zach Hicks, Jahvin Carter, D’Marco Dunn and Dominick Stewart every made a number of 3-pointers.
“Ace would moderately have an help than a basket, however he does each,” Penn State coach Mike Rhoades mentioned of the senior, who additionally averages 14.1 factors whereas taking pictures 93.0 p.c from the foul line. “He is been setting the desk for his teammates and he did that at such a excessive degree right this moment. Over 700 profession assists isn’t any small feat.”
Rhoades is happy for the potential to show his bettering program to the Philadelphia crowd.
“To get again within the Philly space, we will recruit that space on a regular basis and we have now some guys from down there as nicely,” Rhoades mentioned.
Drexel (8-4) has gained three straight video games, most not too long ago a 68-65 street victory over Howard on Tuesday. Jason Drake scored a career-high 21 factors, whereas Yame Butler chipped in 16 factors.
“The margin (between) success/aid and shedding/distress — nonetheless you need to outline it — is razor skinny,” Dragons coach Zach Spiker mentioned.
Kobe MaGee, who’s Drexel’s main scorer at 15.3 factors per sport, has struggled along with his taking pictures in three of the final 4 contests. He shot 3 of 10 in opposition to Howard, ending with 9 factors to go along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Nittany Lions are 6-0 all-time in opposition to the Dragons, though the groups haven’t met since 2015.
–Area Stage Media
