Sumler's Late Free Throws Seal Pitt's 82-76 Win Over Penn State
Pittsburgh improved to 3-0 while snapping a two-game losing streak in the series against in-state rivals at the Palestra.
By Elena Perry ·
A'lahn Sumler sank two free throws with 13.2 seconds remaining on Sunday night, securing an 82-76 victory for Pittsburgh over Penn State at the Palestra. The win marks the 150th meeting between the in-state rivals and gives the Panthers their second consecutive win in the series, which Penn State leads 76-74.
Sumler finished with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Baye Ndongo contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists before fouling out in the closing seconds. Jonathan Powell added 13 points and recorded a career-high five steals, extending his career total to 44 in 68 games.
Penn State's Dasonte Bowen led the Nittany Lions with 17 points. Ivan Juric added 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Roko Prkacin and Josh Reed each scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Penn State improved to 2-1 on the season.
The game featured a late surge by Pitt. Ndongo dunked to give the Panthers an eight-point lead with 1:56 left. Penn State responded with a 7-1 run, capped by Bowen's two free throws with 19 seconds left, to cut the deficit to 78-76. The Nittany Lions failed to score again. Earlier, Pitt outscored Penn State 14-3 in the final minutes of the first half, building a 42-38 lead after the visitors went 1-for-8 from the field in that span.
The contest served as the second game of a doubleheader celebrating the Palestra's 100th anniversary. Richmond defeated Temple 79-53 in the opening matchup.
Penn State hosts Mercyhurst on Thursday. Pittsburgh plays at Butler on Friday.
