Penn State got off to an amazing start, withstood one little run and then finished off Colorado State in impressive fashion Sunday night.
The Nittany Lions scored the game's first 13 points, while holding the Rams scoreless for 7 1/2 minutes, and rolled to a 68-56 victory to claim third place in the Charleston (S.C.) Classic.
Penn State lost in the tournament semifinals to Virginia Tech, 61-59, but wrapped up its trip to South Carolina with a good outing.
The Lions improved to 5-1, while downing a Colorado State team that's ranked in the top 100.
So, it was another quality win for Penn State's resume, to go along with victories over Furman in this tournament and Butler last week.
Seth Lundy led Penn State with 17 points, while Jalen Pickett had 16. Camren Wynter added nine points, with Andrew Funk and Kebba Njie chipping in eight apiece.
Penn State struggled shooting the ball, making just 42 percent overall and 32 percent from 3 (9 for 28). But the Lions' defense was outstanding, holding Colorado State to 33 percent shooting and 20 percent behind the arc (6 for 30).
After the hot start, Penn State saw Colorado State regroup to pull within six a few times in the first half. But the Lions closed the half strong and led 33-21 at the break.
Penn State's next game is Friday at home against Lafayette. Tipoff at the Bryce Jordan Center will be 7 p.m.
The Lions then will travel to Clemson on Nov. 29 for its game in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. That game will provide Penn State with another chance to pick up a good non-conference win.
THE ESSENTIALS