Penn State rebounds against Duquesne, but injuries could derail any momentum

(Photo: GoPSUsports.com)

Penn State only has a handful of games before Big Ten Conference play begins in less than a month. These games are not against the toughes teams, but they are still vital in the development of the team.

Penn State - 77 Duquesne - 73

Penn State was still feeling the hangover left from their terrible loss to Maryland last Wednesday as they tipped off against Duquesne this weekend. The Nittany Lions had a very slow start and to make things worse, David Jackson and Billy Oliver left the game in the first half from injury.

After being down 33-30 to the Dukes at half, Talor Battle took over the game like only Talor Battle can. Battle scored 31 points shooting 12-18 but even an even more impressive 5-8 for 3. Jeff Brooks also got back on track with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Without Jackson and Oliver, Tre Bowman steeped up and got his first serious amount of playing time. Bowman contributed 6 points in 17 minutes.

Jackson was sent to the hospital as a precaution, but is now day-to-day with a neck strain. Oliver returned to the bench after his collision but did not return to the game.



Up Next: Mount St. Mary's

Penn State faces off against Mt. St. Mary's tomorrow night at the Bryce Jordan Center. With David Jackson and Billy Oliver coming off those injuries, look for Coach DeChellis to give plenty of other men playing time. Mt. St. Mary's is 3-5 and has not yet scored 70 points this season.

Penn State should control the pace of the game, but it would be good to see get on some sort of hot streak tonight so Battle and the crew have something positive to work off of going into Virginia Tech on the 12th.

Keys to the Game - Battle will take control for a solid game but it is uncertain how much David Jackson or Billy Oliver will play. Look to see who comes off the bench to fill in that #3 position for Penn State. Will DeChellis stick with Bowman like he did against Duquesne? Or will another young bench player step up?

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