It was the Nittany Lions' first win since beating Northwestern 84-80 on January 2.
This came after the Nittany Lions lost both of their games in the First Point Collegiate Challenge.
Johnson suffered a right hand injury against Michigan State on Wednesday and did not return to the game.
"We're close, but that doesn't count when you play college basketball."
The Nittany Lions are 0-4 for the first time since 1999.
