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Rob Phinisee’s late bucket lifts Indiana over Penn State in thrilling OT contest
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Indiana finally got its first win of the B1G season late Wednesday night. But it didn’t come easy for Archie Miller and the Hoosiers.
Despite a 12-point lead midway through the 2nd half, Penn State gave IU all it could handle at Assembly Hall, and provided fans with a really entertaining matchup to close out 2020. It was Hoosiers guard Rob Phinisee who hit the biggest bucket of the game and was able to secure a victory in Bloomington.
With time dwindling down, Phinisee buried a fadeaway jumper from the free throw line to give IU an 87-85 lead with just seconds left. Penn State had two looks at the basket on its final possession, but both shots were missed.
.@IndianaMBB survives at home in OT vs. Penn State.
After a week in which Archie Miller said Rob Phinisee and Al Durham had to get going, the pair combined for 29 points with Phinisee hitting the game-winner. pic.twitter.com/rfQog9wpsl
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 31, 2020
It was a huge victory for the Hoosiers, who are now 1-2 in B1G play this season and 6-4 overall on the year. The Nittany Lions dropped to 0-3 in the conference and fell to 3-4.
Five Hoosiers scored in double figures in what was coined a “must-win” contest for both teams. Trayce Jackson-Davis led the way with 21 points and 6 rebounds on 8-of-13 shooting. Al Durham scored 18 points and Armaan Franklin added 16. Phinisee scored 11 points off the bench and Trey Galloway scored 10.
Indiana will be back in action on Monday, hosting Maryland (6-3). Penn State will take on No. 6 Wisconsin (8-2) on Sunday.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB