It’s a shame Penn State wasn’t able to capitalize against the Wolverines despite holding 2 double digit leads. That game was as close to a must win as you can possibly get.

And at 5-6 in conference play, the Lions now find themselves backed up against the wall and forced into a situation where an upset win or two is a must to remain on the bubble. We’ve long considered 10 wins to be the magic number to solidify Penn State’s tournament chances, but with 7 games remaining before the B1G tourney, 2 against Northwestern and Minnesota, a game against #1 ranked Ohio State at home and games at Breslin and Kohl remaining, it’s hard to find 5 more wins.

One can’t help but to think about all the missed opportunities that led to this. Of the 6 conference losses, only 2 (@ Michigan, @ Illinois, Purdue) have been by 7 points or more points. The remaining 3 losses have come by gut-wrenchingly close margins; 3 point loss to Michigan, 1 point losses @ Purdue and @ Ohio State.

Those missed opportunities is why tonight’s game in East Lansing is now considered a must win. In order for Penn State to hit 10 B1G wins, the path of least resistance is to sweep both Northwestern and Minnesota and win 1 of the 3 against #1 Ohio State, @ Wisconsin or @ Michigan State.

The reeling Spartans might be the best shot for the Lions to win amongst the 3. Penn State has already beaten then #18 Michigan State 66-62 last month and the Spartans are in a slump, having lost 5 of their last 6 making this the perfect opportunity for the Nittany Lions to come away with a resume building road win.

But it’s always hard to consider a road game at Breslin Center a good opportunity. Michigan State is 267-39 at the venue, a staggering 88% winning record at home. And let’s not forget that the Lions have just 1 win in 7 road attempts thus far. For the Lions to beat the Green and White on their home court would be nothing short of a miracle. Unfortunately, a miracle is exactly what we need now.

Time: 7:00 pm EST
TV: BTN
Radio: Penn State Sports Network (1450 AM locally), Sirius channel 122 and XM radio channel 143
All Time Record: Michigan State leads 24-6
Last Meeting: Penn State beat #18 Michigan State 66-62

	Michigan State		Penn State	Advantage
Off Points /game	70.3 (127)	Def Points /game	63.7 (58)
Rebounds /game	37.3 (60)	Rebounds /game	32.9 (263)
Off Assists /game	15.7 (26)	Def Assists /game	14.5 (280)
Off Field Goal %	43.4 (169)	Def Field Goal %	43.7 (178)	Push
Def Points /game	68.0 (169)	Off Points /game	64.3 (266)
Def Assists /game	11.7 (87)	Off Assists /game	12.4 (199)
Def Field Goal %	42.8 (137)	Off Field Goals %	43.1 (181)

Difference < 25 National Rank = Push
Difference > 25 National Rank =
Difference > 75 National Rank =
Difference > 125 National Rank =
Difference > 175 National Rank =