Things got off to a slow start, as PSU misfired on their first four field goal attempts, all from three-point range and spotted Northwestern the game’s first five points in the process. PSU would eventually heat up, as Jamari Wheeler, Lamar Stevens, and Seth Lundy all nailed consecutive treys.
With PSU clinging to a one-point advantage at the 12-minute mark, the Lions would utilize solid defense combined with some three-point shooting (PSU would nail seven treys in total in the half), offensive rebounding (PSU had ten offensive boards in the first half alone), as well as Lamar and Mike Watkins asserting themselves at the hoop, to go on a 19-4 run that would see them leading by as much as 17 points, ultimately taking a 42-28 lead to the locker room.