Jan. 28, 2016
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" The Nittany Lion basketball team (11-10, 2-6 Big Ten) will help christen an innovative concept inside Madison Square Garden when it meets Michigan (16-5, 6-2 Big Ten) in the Big Ten's first Super Saturday College Hoops & Hockey Doubleheader in Manhattan.
Taking the floor in The Garden for the first time since knocking off Baylor to win the 2009 NIT, the Lions will be looking to extend a five-game winning streak inside the "World's Most Famous Arena". Penn State has played 16 previous games inside MSG dating back to 1971.
"You should be fired up to play in a place like Madison Square Garden," said head coach Patrick Chambers. "You should be excited. There should be incredible energy. And hopefully we see that (on Saturday)."
Saturday's game will be a homecoming for senior Jordan Dickerson. The 7-foot-1 center hails from Brooklyn and will have a big cheering section on Saturday afternoon when the Lions and Wolverines meet at noon on BTN.
"It means a lot to go back home," said Dickerson. "I have a lot of family in New York, so it's going to be nice seeing them out in the stands rooting. My grandmother is going to be really excited. It definitely means a lot to play there."
The opportunity to step onto some of the most historic hardwood in the basketball world is truly a once in a college career opportunity for the Nittany Lions. The mystique and history of The Garden separates the venue from most places in the world.
"It's one of those places that means so much with all of the history," said senior Donovon Jack. "It's a big deal to be in New York City in that market. It's going to be a great experience for us all."
Chambers said that when discussions first began between Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany and Penn State he had a few reservations about giving up a home game. Penn State will play just eight Big Ten home games this year, instead of the usual nine.
And who can blame Coach Chambers for initially having second thoughts when you consider Penn State's recent history with Michigan in the BJC. The Nittany Lions topped the fourth-ranked Wolverines on Feb. 27, 2013 for the program's first top five victory since 2001.
"But I think the positives in these situations outweigh the negatives," said Chambers. "It's been a tough month for travel on these kids, and you feel for them. But I do think the experience is something that will last a lifetime. They will always remember (this), despite any outcomes."
The Wolverines head to Madison Square Garden riding a three-game winning streak. Michigan defeated Rutgers (68-57) in its most recent game. The Wolverines are 6-2 in the Big Ten, which includes a 70-67 victory over then-No. 3 Maryland. Michigan topped Penn State, 79-56, in the first meeting between the two teams.
The Wolverines are among the best teams in the nation in shooting from the perimeter. Michigan is No. 6 in three-point field goals made per game (10.8), No. 7 in three-point field goal percentage (41.8) and No. 8 in total number of three-point field goals made (216). Michigan is also superb at holding onto the basketball, ranking No. 8 nationally in turnovers per game (10.0) and assist-turnover ratio (1.61).
Sophomore Duncan Robinson enters the weekend as the team's active leading scorer at 12.6 points per game. Robinson is an elite three-point shooter, ranking No. 3 in the nation at 51 percent shooting clip from beyond the arc. Robinson is one of five Michigan players with 25 or more made three-point field goals this season.
Penn State and Michigan will meet for the fifth time in a neutral site environment. The Nittany Lions are 3-1 in neutral site games, with three of the four previous meetings coming at the Big Ten Tournament. The two teams also met in a neutral site game in Pittsburgh during the 1951-52 season.