Northwestern got out to a quick start, banking in a 3-point shot. That was how it went in the opening minutes, as the Lions struggled and found themselves down 10-0 at the start of the game. Trent Buttrick made his earliest appearance of the season at center, filling in for Mike Watkins, who was out for the game with a violation of team rules.
Buttrick tipped in Lamar Stevens’ third miss of the night to gain the first points for Penn State. The lead got to 14 when Stevens missed a pair of free throws. The next trip down the court Stevens got to the line again, hitting them both.