In a thrilling Big Ten matchup on January 2, 2025, the Penn State Nittany Lions edged the Northwestern Wildcats 84-80 at the Bryce Jordan Center, maintaining their perfect 9-0 home record.
Key Performances:
• Zach Hicks: Led Penn State with 20 points, marking his third 20-plus point effort of the season.
• Ace Baldwin Jr.: Contributed 17 points, seven assists, and five steals. Notably, he reached career milestones of 1,500 points and 300 steals during the game.
• Puff Johnson and Freddie Dilione V: Added 11 and 10 points, respectively, showcasing the Nittany Lions’ offensive depth.
For Northwestern:
• Brooks Barnhizer: Delivered a near triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, keeping the Wildcats competitive throughout the contest.
Game Highlights:
• Penn State’s defense was pivotal, holding Northwestern to just five points in the final five minutes. Clutch baskets down the stretch secured the victory.
• The Nittany Lions set a program record for a Big Ten game by sinking 36 free throws, underscoring their aggressive play and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
• The game featured multiple ties and lead changes, with neither team leading by more than three points during a ten-minute stretch in the second half, highlighting the evenly matched nature of the contest.
Controversial Finish:
• In the final moments, a potential game-tying basket by Northwestern was nullified due to an inadvertent whistle, leading to a controversial conclusion. Subsequent reviews resulted in Northwestern losing possession, and Penn State’s Ace Baldwin Jr. sealed the game with crucial free throws.
Season Implications:
• With this win, Penn State improved to 12-2 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
• Northwestern’s valiant effort fell short, but standout performances, particularly from Barnhizer, indicate potential for future conference matchups.
