Penn State looks for offensive success against stiff Harvard defense

Field Level Media|published: Tue 18th November, 15:38 2025

Nov 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Melih Tunca (9) dribbles the ball up the court as Navy Midshipmen forward Donovan Draper (11) and guard Cam Cole (2) defend during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Scoring hasn't been a problem for Penn State this season, but it might be more of a challenge when the Nittany Lions take on Harvard on Wednesday night in University Park, Pa.

Harvard (4-1) will enter that matchup leading the Ivy League in points allowed per game (61.6). Three of Harvard's opponents this season failed to score more than 54 points.

Penn State (4-0) is shooting 52.1 percent from the field, and has four players averaging in double figures: freshman guard Melih Tunca (15.5), freshman guard Kayden Mingo (15.3), junior guard Freddie Dilione V (12.3) and sophomore guard Dominick Stewart (10.5). Tunca and Mingo have reached double figures in each of Penn State's four games.

"It has to be a hot basketball," Penn State coach Mike Rhoades said. "You're hard to guard when the ball is hot. Sometimes you give up a good shot to get a great shot for your teammate and vice versa. If we don't turn the ball over and we share the basketball, good things are going to happen."

Penn State shot 57.9% from the field (33 of 57) and 50% from 3-point territory (10 of 20) in Saturday's 83-69 victory over LaSalle. It was the third time Penn State has scored at least 80 points this season.

Harvard also has four players who are averaging at least 10 points per game: senior guard Chandler Pigge (15.8), sophomore guard Robert Hinton (13.2), sophomore guard Tey Barbour (11.4) and junior forward Thomas Batties III (10.8). Pigge has scored in double figures in each of Harvard's five games.

Hinton, the Ivy League Freshman of the Year last season, collected 13 points and a game-high seven rebounds during a 56-54 victory over Marist on Sunday. The victory came one night after Harvard beat Army, 75-52.

"It was one of those kinds of games that could have obviously gone either way," Harvard coach Tommy Amaker said. "Really proud of our guys for this back-to-back, being able to do it on the road in this fashion on a second night says a lot about their toughness and character."

-Field Level Media

Latest