Amongst the plethora of NCAA games scheduled for this Saturday is one of the Pennsylvania match ups this season: UPenn and Penn State. This should be a quality game in the midst of the many on Saturday.
PENN STATE
The Nittany Lions come into this weekend 1-2 after losing road games to both Loyola and Villanova. If looking at the fact this is a home field advantage, having beat Vermont in the season opener at home is a booster.
Of all areas concerned, it seems Penn State lacks in the closing rate of their shots. The team is averaging a .292 shot percentage so far in 2015, and have successfully scored 28 of 96 shots. They’re finding the opportunities but not capitalizing on them.
Areas of strength this season are face offs and extra-man conversion rates. PSU is dominating the draw with a .569 win percentage and have committed to four man-up goals of 11 opportunities.
Penn State’s team scoring is currently led by efforts from TJ Sanders with eight points on the season. Tied with him so far are Nick Aponte and Matt Florence. The first two both have six goals and two assists. Florence has four and four respectively.
Connor Darcey has filled the crease in goal very well. So far, he’s played the entirety of the season with a save percentage of .609.
U PENN
The Philadelphia natives enter this match up at 2-1 after topping both UMBC at home and St. Joseph’s. Last weekend, they came short 11-7 to Maryland. Penn went into the Elite Eight in 2014 and lost to Drexel (Who went on to lose to Denver). They have the skills and foresight necessary to make it again, but will need to show their dominance in games such as this.
UPenn will be giving PSU a run for their money at the draw, as this squad enters with s comparable win percentage so far this season of .539. Their shot percentage is a little better sitting at .304 having made 28 of 92 shot opportunities (same amount of success as PSU is four fewer shots).
Their scoring success is led by Nick Doktor with 11 points from four goals and seven assists. Shortly behind him with nine points is Joe McCallion. Kevin McGeary trails in third with five points on the season.
GAME TIME
Penn State will need to watch their penalties. Penn is statistically better at converting their opportunities than the lions are. On the other hand, Penn will have the advantage with shots. The real skirmishes will come at the face off as both teams are almost dead even.
