Freshman reserve Roko Prkacin scored a game-high 28 points on 12-for-14 shooting as Penn State cruised past Canisius 96-57 on Monday in the season opener for both programs at University Park, Pa.
The Nittany Lions were paced by a balanced offense and overwhelmed the Golden Griffins inside, finishing with a 45-28 rebounding edge and a 60-32 advantage on points in the paint.
Penn State’s Ivan Juric anchored the interior, recording 14 points and a game-high 15 rebounds in just 20 minutes. Josh Reed added 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting, while Francois Wibaut chipped in 10 points.
Clinton Efinda scored 13 points to pace Canisius, while Vinny Sigona contributed 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
Up by 21 at halftime, Penn State seized complete control early in the second half. With 11:52 to go, a layup by Roberts Blums capped a 10-0 run that pushed the Nittany Lions’ lead to 70-35. The surge was part of an explosive second half in which Penn State shot 61.3% (19-for-31) from the floor and increased its lead to as many as 42 points with 49 seconds remaining.
Penn State’s bench accounted for 53 total points, compared to 12 for Canisius.
The Nittany Lions shot 55.4% (36-for-65) from the floor and converted 21 of 29 free-throw attempts (72.4%). Penn State also forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 21 points.
Canisius struggled to find answers against Penn State’s length and defensive pressure, failing to lead at any point. The Nittany Lions scored the game’s first five points and were up nine points just over four minutes in.
The victory delivers a resounding start to coach Mike Rhoades’ fourth season in State College following last year’s 12-20 finish.
Golden Griffins coach Jim Christian is entering his third season. Canisius is coming off a 10-21 campaign.