Penn State suffered its first loss over the weekend, but Freddie Dilione V provided a silver lining in defeat.
Dilione looks to deliver another strong performance Tuesday when Penn State hosts Boston University in nonconference action from University Park, Pa.
After winning their first five games, the Nittany Lions (5-1) absorbed a 77-65 defeat at the hands of Providence in a neutral-site matchup Saturday in Uncasville, Conn. The team shot just 33.3% from the floor with many of their key players struggling with their shooting.
The five Penn State starters combined for only 32 points on 11-of-36 shooting.
“I thought our guys were ready to play,” Nittany Lions coach Mike Rhoades said. “Just not enough down the stretch, had a couple turnovers, a couple of bad shots and gave up some easy baskets late there. So, put ourselves in a position, but not a position enough to win the game.”
Dilione kept his team in the contest with a career-high 22 points off the bench. The junior shot 8-of-18 from the floor — the rest of his teammates combined for 14 buckets — and he finished with nine rebounds and four assists, as well.
“I thought it was the best game he’s played in a Penn State uniform,” Rhoades said. “I just thought he played super hard. He was very aggressive. He made shots, but I thought he was attacking.”
Freshman guard Kayden Mingo had scored in double figures in his first five collegiate games, but was held to 1-of-8 shooting (2 pts.) vs. Providence. He still leads the Lions in scoring at 14.5 ppg.
Boston University (3-3) snapped a two-game skid Saturday with a 75-74 triumph over Harvard. The Terriers shot 62.5% from the field in the contest, including a blistering 52.4% (11-of-21) from 3-point range en route to the narrow victory.
“I wasn’t banking on having such a great night offensively,” said BU coach Joe Jones, who noted that Harvard has played well of late, including a narrow loss to Penn State.
Chance Gladden led the Terriers with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while Ben Defty contributed 16 points on a crisp 7-of-10 effort from the field.
Defty leads the team in scoring at 13.8 points per game, in addition to team highs of 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.
–Field Level Media
