Penn State Opens Season With 40-Point Win Over Canisius

Penn State began its campaign by defeating Canisius 97-57 inside the Bryce Jordan Center on November 2. The Nittany Lions, who finished 12-20 last season, were reshaped with 11 offseason additions. Roko Prkačin led the team with 28 points, shooting 12-for-14 in 20 minutes after becoming eligible three days before the game.

The 6-foot-8 forward also collected six rebounds, including four on offense, and blocked a shot. Teammate Josh Reed likened Prkačin’s ability to score inside and outside and create plays for others to LeBron James. Prkačin said he was eager to return to the court after sitting out Penn State’s exhibition games.

Penn State also showed the physicality coach Mike Rhoades had sought. The team outrebounded Canisius 45-28 and attempted 29 free throws. Center Ivan Jurić posted 14 points and 15 rebounds, while Rhoades said he could accept some foul trouble as the team works toward playing more aggressively.

The Nittany Lions struggled from long range, making four of 19 three-point attempts. Rhoades said several missed shots were good opportunities and expected the team to shoot better. He said the threat from outside can create more room near the basket, where Prkačin and Jurić found success. Penn State’s next game is against Chattanooga on November 5 at the Bryce Jordan Center, televised on Big Ten Network.