3 keys and a prediction for Nebraska basketball vs. Penn State

Nebraska basketball faces another critical game on Saturday against Penn State and here are three keys, plus a prediction.

In the latest edition of bracketology released by ESPN, Nebraska basketball dropped down to a No. 11 seed and the Huskers are squarely on the bubble as Penn State comes into the Vault on Saturday (11 AM CST).

The Nittany Lions have been mediocre this season. They are 6-8 in the Big Ten plus 12-13 overall. Penn State has dropped two games in a row but has won two of three on the road in Big Ten play.

Kanye Clary and Ace Baldwin lead the way for Penn State in the backcourt. Clary averages 16.7 points per game, while Baldwin averages 14.2. Both are threats from 3-point range and Baldwin averages 5.4 assists per game along with 2.7 steals.

These guards are going to give the Huskers trouble. Penn State won’t be a pushover and here are three keys for Nebraska basketball, plus a prediction.

Protect the ball

Clary and Baldwin combine for an average of nine assists per game in conference play but they also spearhead a defense with 81 steals. The Nittany Lions are forcing 13 turnovers per game as well during league play and that could be a recipe for disaster for Nebraska basketball.

Turnovers have been an issue all season for the Huskers. They average 11.6 turnovers per game and on Saturday, keeping that number under 10 will be a focus.

If they do that, Nebraska should avoid the upset, but losing the turnover battle is one way this game against Penn State can get scary.

Feed the ball inside

Penn State isn’t an elite defensive team by any stretch of the imagination. They rank 12th in scoring defense in the Big Ten (77.6 points per game allowed) and the Nittany Lions have struggled defending inside the 3-point line this season allowing opponents to make 52.8 percent of their 2-point attempts (325th).

The Nittany Lions do a good job of limiting 3-point shots. They also allow opponents to make just 31.3 percent from deep which is 63rd in college basketball.

Nebraska’s offense lives and dies by the 3-point line at times. But in this game, the Huskers need to get the ball inside to Rienk Mast, Josiah Allick, and also Keisei Tominaga. Penn State is going to overplay him and try to limit his 3-point attempts. He’s been an active cutter lately and that needs to continue on Saturday.

It’s important to make triples too. Don’t get me wrong, but Nebraska can’t settle for 3-pointers — they should have an edge inside on Saturday — they are fifth in the Big Ten in 2-point field-goal percentage — and need to take advantage.

Respectable 3-point defense

Nebraska’s 3-point defense is going to be critical. The Nittany Lions rank fifth in Big Ten play in 3-point makes and third in 3-point percentage. Nebraska ranks 14th in 3-point field goals allowed. The Huskers are also allowing Big Ten teams to shoot 38 percent from deep.

Penn State has the ability to take advantage but so did Michigan. The Wolverines made eight triples against Nebraska last Saturday. If the Huskers can similarly contain Penn State, they should win the game.

Penn State averages 7.9 per game and as long as Nebraska basketball keeps the Nittany Lions in that range, they should walk away with a win.

Nebraska (-7.5) vs Penn State prediction (Big Ten Network)

The Huskers are a heavy favorite in this game and frankly, they are the better team. Penn State is good enough to win though, especially if Nebraska basketball isn’t sharp on defense.

Nebraska has allowed way too many 3-pointers this season. The Huskers have also struggled to take care of the ball and those will be crucial points of emphasis on Saturday.

That being said, this team is exceptional at home and I don’t see this game being decided by single digits.

Nebraska 79, Penn State 69  

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