UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa - Penn State's defense has been a strength of the team this season. Four times the team has been able to keep its opponent from scoring under 60 points, and the new defensive style has caught the attention of those around the Big Ten.
In a recent matchup with Ohio State, the Nittany Lions forced a total of 13 turnovers and and held the Buckeye's top scorers E.J Lidell and Zed Key to a combined 18 points. The Ohio State duo came into the game averaging a combined 32.3 points per game.
"Compared to other Penn State teams we have played in the past this team plays differently and makes it extremely difficult offensively, with the way they collapse in the post and drives," said Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann following the contest.
Penn State forward John Harrar has seen the team's improvement defensively through the impactful changes first-year head coach Micah Shrewsberry has made.
"Our defense is pretty stamped," Harrar said. "We want the guys taking the shots that we want. That's what our defense is about. I am excited to see how it correlates to the Big Ten."
Forward Seth Lundy emphasized the simplicity of the team's defensive structure and how the players understand the way Shrewsberry wants to play.
"Defensively Shrewsberry keeps it simple for us," said Lundy. "It really comes down to building defensive habits. Every day we run the same drills and it helps us pick up on things during the game."
Shrewsberry's coaching experiences gives him a unique edge for developing his own defensive playing style. Prior to Penn State he spent his last two seasons with Purdue University working as the associate head coach. He also spent a total of six seasons (2013-19) with the NBA's Boston Celtics as an assistant coach. During this time, the Celtics reached the playoffs in five consecutive seasons.
"Working in the NBA helped me understand that you have to evolve quickly to find what works for your team and stick with it," said Shrewsberry. "Over time you take a little bit of each person you work for and from the things you see work on the court. You need to see what fits your team and be able to evolve."
On the defensive end Penn State is doing everything they can to secure wins. Most recently the Nittany Lions held Wagner University 15 points under its season scoring average and forced the Seahawks 15 turnovers throughout the game.
"I told the team our defensive efforts give them a chance to win every game," said Shrewsberry. "If you look at our stats and how we are trying to play on the court we are doing everything we can from the defensive standpoint."
Furthermore, the Nittany Lions have outrebounded their opponents in five of seven games this season and have grabbed at least 35 rebounds in every game.
"We have a small margin for error, we don't need to play perfect but to the best of our ability," Shrewsberry added on his expectations.
In addition to playing the best they can, Lundy added the team is emphasizing its aggression on the court.
"I notice that we have been playing more aggressively on the court, said Lundy. "The game plan is always pack the paint and help your teammates. I know a lot of guys in our league are good drivers and our goal is to stop them."
That aggressiveness has paid off of late, as the Nittany Lions have held five of their last six opponents at least 10 points under their scoring average, and limited opponents to 39.9 percent from the field and 28.8 percent behind the 3-point arc.
Penn State will look to continue that trend when they top tip off against Michigan State at 2 p.m., on Big Ten Network. The last two Penn State-Michigan State matchups at the Breslin Center have been two of the best, with Penn State claiming a 75-70 win on Feb. 4, 2020 and dropping a two-point decision on Feb. 9, 2021 (60-58).
