In the city that never sleeps, the Penn State Nittany Lions certainly didn’t get much sleep after their big win over Mississippi State in the NIT Semifinals.

 

Some experts said it would be a close one, but, those people certainly didn’t talk to the Penn State player. The Nittany Lions roared out of the gate, connecting on eight three pointers in the first half. They took a 42-23 lead into the break.

 

Penn State Senior Shep Garner said, “You know it just takes the wind out of teams when you’re defending them like that and coming back on the offensive end and playing the way we were playing today.  We were clicking on all cylinders so it’s tough to beat us like that.”

 

In the second half, Penn State put the pedal to the metal. Tony Carr led the way with 21 points. Lamar Stevens posted 17 and Garner scored 18 and became Penn State’s all time leader in 3 pointers, passing Pete Lesicky.

 

Head Coach Pat Chambers spoke on Garner’s shooting saying, “He hit two huge three’s in the game against Temple, plays great against Notre Dame, great against Marquette, and tonight, six-for-nine from three.  So he’s got one more game, so let’s not get too happy just yet.”

 

In the end, the Nittany Lions 75-60 win over Mississippi State sends PSU to their third NIT title game.

 

Sophomore Guard Josh Reaves explained the feeling, “I’m more excited for our seniors.  We’re playing for them, we’re trying to let them go on top and just trying to do it for them.”

 

Penn State will look to pick up an NIt Championship Thursday against Utah. Stay up to date on our coverage from Madison Square Garden on air and online.