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Penn State basketball set for unconventional senior day against Northwestern | Preview, prediction

IMG_1698 5 (1)by: David Eckert02/25/22davideckert98
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Penn State big man John Harrar during a win over Northwestern (Getty Images.)

Penn State basketball will celebrate its seniors Friday evening as it plays host to Northwestern at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Among the seven honorees are four players who transferred into the program ahead of this season, and three players who have eligibility remaining should they choose to give it another go — Jalen Pickett, Myles Dread and Sam Sessoms.

It’s a strange dynamic, but one Micah Shrewsberry is choosing to welcome.

“We made the decision to recognize all of the seven guys that are fourth years in college,” Shrewsberry said. “That decision goes a little bit towards you never know what the future holds. I don’t want somebody to miss out on something for who knows why. Give them their just due and decisions and everything about guys coming back happen after the season.

“If you get two senior nights out of it, then kudos to you.”

There’s no finality associated with this game for Pickett, Dread and Sessoms, Shrewsberry said.

But there is for Jaheam Cornwall, Jalanni White, Greg Lee and — notably — John Harrar, the face of the program who returned to play a fifth season after he tested the waters in the transfer portal.

Penn State celebrated Harrar’s career last season, but this time he’ll get to experience it with fans in the arena.

“This is the spot,” Harrar said. “I’m happy with my decision. I’m happy I got to learn under Coach Shrews and still compete in the blue and white. I always said I wanted to bring my kids back here in 20 years. I wanted to bring them here and be welcome at the Bryce Jordan Center and do the tour and all that. So, I’m happy with my decision.”

Of course, there’s a basketball game to be played, too.

The Nittany Lions sit half a game ahead of Northwestern for the final first-round bye at the Big Ten Tournament, giving this contest an added layer of importance.

Scouting the Wildcats

The Nittany Lions came back from a double-digit second-half deficit to beat Northwestern at Welsh Ryan Arena earlier in the season.

The Wildcats are 6-11 in Big Ten play, coming off a 77-65 win over lowly Nebraska, who Penn State plays on Sunday.

Senior big man Pete Nance leads the Wildcats with 15.1 points per game. He’s also their top rebounder, pulling down 6.4 boards.

Junior guard Boo Buie isn’t far behind with 15 points per game.

The Wildcats attempt 62.5 field goals per game, which is in the top 10 percent nationally. That’s mostly due to a remarkable ability to take care of the basketball. Northwestern turns it over on only 14 percent of its possessions, which is sixth-best in the country.

Penn State vs Northwestern Prediction

Penn State 67, Northwestern 62.

The Nittany Lions have been really good at home, and that’s the basis for this pick. They’ve won four of their last five at home in conference play.

All three of Penn State’s home losses in conference play have come against top-30 teams in KenPom’s ratings. It takes a very good performance to beat the Nittany Lions at the BJC, and while the Wildcats certainly have the talent to make that happen, it’s not the most likely outcome.

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