In search of its third win of the season, Penn State (2-1) was blown out by Duquesne (3-0) 78-52 in what was one of the most embarrassing losses of Pat Chambers’ tenure.

How It Happened

Duquesne came out hot offensively, hitting six of its first 11 shots, and going 5-of-9 from three to take a 17-12 lead over the Nittany Lions. Despite the Dukes’ shooting touch, Brandon Taylor kept Penn State in the game. The senior forward had 10 points in the first 10 minutes alone, scoring on the block and from behind the three-point line.

After quick starts from both sides, things slowed down in the middle of the first 20 minutes. Both teams began to play sloppy, but the Nittany Lions were able to cut into their deficit, and eventually tied things up at 26-26. Unfortunately for Pat Chambers and company, Penn State’s play unraveled in the final minutes of the first half. Sparked by back-to-back threes, Duquesne went on an 11-0 run, putting Penn State down 37-26 at the half.

Things got ugly for Penn State in the second half. The Nittany Lions came out playing zone defensively, but it made no difference. Duquesne picked up right where it left off, hitting five threes in the opening minutes of the half to extend its lead to 52-30.

The rest of the second half was just as bad as the first five minutes. Duquesne’s guard Derrick Colter continuously torched Penn State’s defense, pouring in 26 points, with 18 of those points coming off the three ball. The Nittany Lions never mounted any kind of comeback, as the Dukes cruised to an easy 78-52 victory.

Player Of The Game

Brandon Taylor started the game on fire, and carried the Nittany Lions’ offense for most of the first half. Like the rest of the team, he didn’t play well in the second half, but Taylor — who finished with 14 points and four rebounds — was the only Penn State player who didn’t play a dreadful game.

What’s Next?

Penn State will return home to take on Radford at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24.