The Big Ten semifinals continue when the 10-seed Penn State Nittany Lions (21-12, 18-13-2 ATS, 12-10 Big Ten) take on the 3-seed Indiana Hoosiers (22-10, 15-16-1 ATS, 13-8 Big Ten). Penn State defeated the 2-seed Northwestern to get here, winning 67-65 in overtime as 2-point underdogs. Indiana defeated the 6-seed Maryland 70-60, easily covering as 2-point favorites. These two teams met once this season, with Penn State winning by 19 on their home floor. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 ET from the United Center in Chicago and will be televised on CBS. The winner advances to the Big Ten Tournament Final on Sunday.
Penn State entered the Big Ten Tournament on the bubble, but likely played their way in to the tournament with wins over Illinois and Northwestern. Joe Lunardi has Penn State listed as one of the teams that has played their way into the tournament and has them projected to be a 10-seed. In the win over Northwestern, Penn State was led by Seth Lundy with 16 points and 7 rebounds in the win.
TOUGH ?? @llseth23 #WeAre pic.twitter.com/QNhOc7ZwRE
— Penn State Men's Basketball (@PennStateMBB) March 11, 2023
Jalen Pickett is Penn State's top performer, he had 15 points and 9 rebounds against Northwestern and was recently named to First Team All Big Ten by the coaches. Pickett averaged 17.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG and 6.8 APG this season. Pickett led the Big Ten in assists this season, primarily due to the help of two shooters, Seth Lundy and Andrew Funk. Funk led the Big Ten in made threes and Lundy came in 2nd. Penn State typically plays five guard lineups, as they start 6'10 freshman Kebba Njie but he only plays 13 minutes per game.
Penn State is ranked 47th overall by KenPom, which is 10th out of 14 teams in the Big Ten. They rank 16th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 113th in defensive efficiency. The Nittany Lions are currently projected to be a 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $100 1st w/ promocode WandW!