The Nittany Lions notched one for the win column against visiting Duquesne, but saw the bulk its scoring come in encouraging fashion after freshmen Tony Carr and Lamar Stevens combined for 44 points as the Nittany Lions edged out the Dukes 82-74 in the Bryce Jordan Center.

How It Happened

Freshman center Mike Watkins showed up in a variety of capacities but stood out early on the boards. He helped mount Penn State’s early 10-7 lead with some touch in the paint as Carr and Stevens got to work. The contest remained close until the very end with the Dukes staying within a point of the Lions. Tied at 24 apiece with two minutes remaining in the half, Stevens sparked a quick run scoring seven points to help the Lions close out the first on top 33-29.

Payton Banks struggled throughout the game going 3-10 from the field but did record four rebounds and two blocks to the winning effort. Also showing up on the glass was Carr, who finished the night with six. Duquesne capitalized on Penn State’s sloppy play early in the second half after a Watkins foul helped give the Dukes a 45-44 lead with 14 minutes to play. Carr’s commanding block and subsequent three pointer helped the Lions reclaim the lead three minutes later. Julian Moore, who finished with two points, would slam home a feed from Carr to help erase the brief Duquesne lead and keep the Dukes behind for good with a little less than 10 minutes to play.

The trifecta of Watkins, Carr, and Stevens would dominate the remainder of the second half and keep the Lions on top. The young Lions improved leaps and bounds from Friday night’s losing effort, and showed plenty of promise as they try and live up to lofty expectations placed on them heading into the season. Penn State would hold on to win 82-74 and get its season back on track after starting the year off on the wrong foot.

Player of the Game

Lamar Stevens | F | Freshman 

This award easily could’ve gone to Tony Carr, but Stevens made his presence felt against the Dukes. He backed up his 24-point outing with six boards, five assists, and two blocks. He looked every bit the player Penn State is expecting him to be this season, and has fans excited for what he might be able to do next weekend when the Lions facing No. 1 Duke.

What’s Next?

The Lions take on winless Grand Canyon on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center.