NEW YORK – On Saturday at “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” Michigan defeated Penn State 79-72 in the first half of a basketball-ice hockey doubleheader. The victory improved the Wolverines to 17-5 on the season while Penn State fell to an 11-11 break even. The schools’ respective hockey teams took to the ice later in the day.
The tempo free numbers of note:
Possessions: 67
Offensive efficiency: Michigan 118, Penn State 107
Both teams were very close in three of the Four Factors. Care of the ball was highlighted with Michigan showing a 10.5 percent turnover rate while Penn State checked in at 11.9 percent. The factor standing out was free throw rate. John Beilein’s club shot 39 free throws against 79 field goal attempts for a 39 percent rate. Penn State attempted 15 from the charity stripe compared to 72 field goal attempts. The Nittany Lion FTR figured at 21 percent. A greater frequency in getting to the line proved crucial in this close contest.
Leading scorers and EF:
Penn State: Brandon Taylor 24 points, EF 36.
Michigan: Zak Irvin 20 points, EF 22.
