As the Penn State Nittany Lions prepare to face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes, fans are eager to see if their team can turn around a challenging season. The upcoming clash at Carver-Hawkeye Arena promises to be a pivotal moment for the Lions, who have shown both flashes of brilliance and areas in need of improvement.

Feb 8, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Nick Kern Jr (3) steals the ball during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Iowa 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

In their last outing against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Penn State struggled defensively, allowing 68 points and a 58 percent two-point shooting performance from their opponents. The Nittany Lions' own shooting was less effective; they managed only 33 percent from the field and an underwhelming 22 percent from beyond the arc. Their free-throw accuracy stood at 50 percent – an area that could significantly impact close games.

However, when hosting Michigan State Spartans earlier this month, Penn State's three-point shooting was exceptional at 52 percent. Despite this sharpshooting display and perfect free-throw execution (100 percent), they were outrebounded by ten boards and ultimately fell short by eight points.

Feb 8, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Ben Krikke (23) slaps the wrist of Penn State Nittany Lions forward Demetrius Lilley (14) as he and Penn State Nittany Lions forward Leo O'Boyle (11) jump for the rebound during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Iowa 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

The visit to Northwestern Wildcats showcased Penn State's defensive prowess with ten blocks but also highlighted inconsistencies with a personal foul count reaching twenty-one. Their field goal percentage improved to 44 percent while maintaining solid free-throw (75 percent) and three-point percentages (32 percent). Yet turnovers remained an issue as they matched their opponent in points off turnovers but failed to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

The key trends for Penn State include tightening up defense inside the paint, improving ball security to reduce turnovers, and maintaining high free-throw percentages which could be crucial in tight contests. Rebounding has been inconsistent; dominating the boards will be essential against Iowa.

Feb 8, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Patrick McCaffery (22) shoots the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jameel Brown (5) defends during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Iowa 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Fans can catch all the action on February 28th at Carver-Hawkeye Arena or tune into BTN channel 610 for national coverage starting at local venue time US/Central zone. Will Penn State rise above recent challenges or will Iowa defend its home court successfully? Only time will tell as we await tip-off with anticipation.

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