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Penn State Aims to Rebound Against Winless Coppin State
After a tough loss earlier this week, Penn State (8-2) will look to get back on track when it hosts Coppin State (0-11) on Saturday in University Park, Pa. For the Nittany Lions, this matchup represents an opportunity to refocus and fix mistakes, while the winless Eagles hope to gain valuable experience as they continue to build their program.
Penn State Seeks a Reset After Rutgers Loss
The Nittany Lions entered their game against Rutgers riding high from an 81-70 upset over then-No. 8 Purdue. However, the momentum didn’t carry over, as Penn State fell 80-76 to a Rutgers team that has struggled with consistency this season.
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Head coach Mike Rhoades didn’t mince words about his team’s performance.
“We weren’t tough enough, we weren’t disciplined enough,” Rhoades said. “We didn’t respond to the adversity in the game, especially in the first half, the right way.”
Indeed, Penn State allowed 48 first-half points and struggled to compete on the boards, getting outrebounded 46-32. They also committed 22 fouls, allowing Rutgers to take 25 free throws. Despite those challenges, Zach Hicks shone with a team-high 20 points, including 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc. Freddie Dilione V added 14 points, but leading scorer Ace Baldwin was held to just eight points on 3-of-14 shooting.
“I love my team, I love how hard we play, I love what we can become,” Rhoades added. “We’ve got to learn from it because it’s really hard to win on the road and you don’t want to beat yourself.”
Coppin State: Searching for Growth
Coppin State has faced a brutal early schedule, squaring off against Power Five opponents like Wake Forest, Virginia, Miami, and NC State. Although they’ve lost all 11 games this season, including Tuesday’s 66-56 defeat to NC State, the Eagles have shown flashes of potential.
Peter Oduro has been a bright spot, scoring in double digits in four of his last five games, including 11 points against the Wolfpack. However, Coppin State continues to struggle with turnovers (15 against NC State), 3-point shooting (2-of-9), and free throws (16-of-26). Head coach Larry Stewart remains focused on building a foundation for the future.
“These things take time,” Stewart said earlier in the season. “It takes time to establish your culture. It takes time to get the right players in your system.”
Ready for the winning edge?
Key Matchups
- Zach Hicks vs. Coppin State’s Defense: Hicks’ ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting could create problems for a Coppin State defense that struggles to defend the perimeter.
- Ace Baldwin’s Bounce Back: After an off night against Rutgers, Baldwin will look to regain his scoring touch against a Coppin State team that allows plenty of open looks.
- Peter Oduro vs. Penn State’s Frontcourt: Oduro has been a consistent scorer for Coppin State, but he’ll need help to challenge Penn State on the boards.
What to Watch
- Penn State’s Discipline: Can the Nittany Lions clean up their fouling and rebounding issues after their struggles against Rutgers?
- Coppin State’s Resilience: Will the Eagles show signs of growth despite their winless record, particularly in limiting turnovers and improving efficiency?
- Team Response: How will Penn State respond to the adversity of a tough loss as they prepare for a more competitive Big Ten slate?
Outlook
On paper, Penn State has a clear advantage and should use this game to fine-tune its play and build momentum heading into the heart of conference competition. Coppin State, despite its record, has shown the ability to compete in spurts but will need a near-flawless effort to keep pace with the Nittany Lions. Expect Penn State to come out with energy and focus, aiming to dominate from start to finish.
