Shep Garner received some advice from former Penn State guard Talor Battle after asking him about his experience in the NIT.
Battle was part of the Nittany Lions’ team that won the tournament in 2009, beating Baylor 69-63 in the championship game at Madison Square Garden.
“He told me it was going to be tough,” Garner said. “This is a big-time tournament. Good teams figure out ways to get it done, and it comes down to your leadership.”
Garner and the Nittany Lions reached the NIT semifinals after a tough win over Temple at home and a pair of road wins over Notre Dame and Marquette.