For the second straight game, Penn State’s defense sprung leaks left and right in an 88-78 loss to Butler in the ESPN Events Invitational. The game started strong for the Nittany Lions, with PSU building a 32-23 lead with just six minutes remaining in the first half. However, another poor finish to the first half deflated all of the Lions’ momentum. Butler put together a 19-7 run to enter the locker room with a 42-39 lead.
Butler took charge of the game early in the second half thanks to costly turnovers by Penn State and trips to the free throw line.