Micah Shrewsberry reveals how Penn State can attack Texas defense

It’s been a neck-and-neck start early in a second round matchup between Penn State and Texas. At halftime, the two-seeded Longhorns hold a 31-23 advantage behind 12 points from Dylan Disu.

The Nittany Lions have so far struggled from the field, shooting just 9-of-26 (34.6%) from the field. Coach Micah Shrewsberry took time for a brief sideline interview with CBS, where he revealed how he’d like to see his team attack the Texas defense.

“They do a good job of really staying out on everything,” he said. “We’ve got to be better at our screens. I thought we had some good screens. They make you drive. They make you attack the rim. We’ve got to make better decisions at the rim just like we did on this last one. Getting them in the air and having them foul us and now let’s shoot some free throws.”

So far Penn State has drawn six fouls on the Longhorns, though it has shot only four free throws. Hopefully going forward the Nittany Lions can create even more opportunities from the stripe.

Penn State goes on to lose 71-66 to Texas

Unfortunately, the Nittany Lions were unable to overcome the halftime deficit as they fell 71-66. They allowed Longhorns forward Dylan Disu to finish with 28 points and 10 rebounds on 14-of-20 (70%) shooting.

Despite trailing for most of the second half, Penn State eventually took a 56-55 lead with 5:12 remaining after a pair of free throws from Camren Wynter. The Nittany Lions followed with a basket from Seth Lundy to increase the lead to three.

However, the lead wouldn’t last long as Texas responded with a 10-0 run to pull away for good. Although Penn State came within three points again with just five seconds remaining, the Longhorns hit a pair of free throws to end any chance at a miracle shot to force overtime.

Wynter led the Nittany Lions with 16 points in the loss, while star guard Jalen Pickett finished with 11 points and 10 assists. Penn State shot just 25-of-60 (41.7%) from the floor and 8-of-28 (28.6%) from 3-point range.

Although the year ended with a loss, it is still a massive success for the Nittany Lions. They made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011 and managed a first-round win against a tough Texas A&M team. Not only that, but they finished runner up in the Big Ten Tournament.

As Penn State heads into the offseason, it will look to build upon this year as it heads into Shrewsberry’s third season at the helm.