The Penn State Nittany Lions earned their first conference win of the season on Thursday night, defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 65-45 at home. Penn State improved to 9-7 on the season, and 1-2 in the Big Ten. Purdue will fall from the cusp of a Top 25 ranking after losing their fourth game of the season.
Leading the way for the Nittany Lions was Billy Oliver, who went 7-for-11 shooting on the night for 21 points. He was helped out all night by guard Tim Frazier, who racked up nine assists in addition to his 15 points. Matt Glover stayed quiet on the offensive end, but helped Penn State to a 35-25 advantage on rebounds with 11 boards himself.
First-year head coach Pat Chambers has continued the tradition of stifling defense passed on from his predecessor Ed DeChellis. Purdue was the 12th opponent to be held under 60 total points by Penn State. The Boilermakers shot just under 32 percent for the game, including 26 percent from 3-point range.
Penn State men's basketball will look for its first conference victory when the Nittany Lions resume their Big Ten schedule on Thursday night against the Purdue Boilermakers.
