Penn State basketball suffered a devastating 76-72 loss at Michigan, collapsing late in the game after holding a commanding lead.
The Nittany Lions had been in control for most of the contest, but their inability to finish in the final minutes allowed the Wolverines to rally and secure the victory in front of a raucous home crowd at Crisler Center.
The game began with Penn State coming out strong, showing solid defense and efficient shooting. The Nittany Lions’ offense, led by senior guard Jalen Pickett, was clicking early, and they built a sizable lead midway through the second half. Pickett, who had been the focal point of Penn State’s offense all season, was a steady presence on the floor, scoring, facilitating, and getting his teammates involved. He finished the game with 19 points and 6 assists, but despite his efforts, the team struggled to maintain momentum as the clock ticked down.
The Nittany Lions led by as many as 10 points with just under 5 minutes remaining in the game, but a series of untimely turnovers and missed free throws opened the door for Michigan. The Wolverines, who had been struggling to find their rhythm throughout the game, seized the opportunity, turning defense into offense and going on an 11-0 run to take a four-point lead with less than a minute left.
Michigan’s comeback was fueled by the stellar play of freshman guard Jett Howard, who scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half. Howard’s hot shooting and clutch baskets during the Wolverines’ late surge were instrumental in Michigan’s turnaround. Alongside Howard, center Hunter Dickinson played a crucial role in the win, contributing 15 points and 9 rebounds. His presence in the paint and ability to finish around the rim were key in helping Michigan close the gap and ultimately pull ahead.
Penn State had opportunities to regain control in the final moments but was hampered by a series of mistakes. With less than 30 seconds left, the Nittany Lions had a chance to cut the deficit to one possession but missed a critical three-point attempt. Michigan then sealed the game with free throws, leaving Penn State with little time to respond.
The loss was a tough one for Penn State, especially after they had worked so hard to build a lead. Head coach Micah Shrewsberry expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to execute down the stretch. “We had control of the game, and we just couldn’t finish,” Shrewsberry said after the game. “We’ve got to learn how to close games out, especially on the road in a tough environment.”
For Penn State, this loss is a reminder of the challenges they face as they continue their Big Ten campaign. The Nittany Lions have been competitive this season, but they must find a way to stay composed in the final moments of tight games. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, they have struggled to finish in crunch time, a factor that has cost them in multiple contests this season.
Looking ahead, Penn State will need to regroup quickly as they face another tough road test in their next game. For Michigan, the victory is a much-needed boost, as they look to build momentum after a rocky start to the season. The Wolverines’ late-game resilience against Penn State could be a turning point in their campaign as they aim for a strong finish in the Big Ten standings.
