After the third, the question is now, "can Penn State actually make the NCAA Tournament?!?"
The answer is short, but not so simple; "probably not."
Even with the win today the Nittany Lions are still only 12-8, 5-4 in Big Ten play. The dug themselves a pretty deep early hole with losses to Maine (ouch), Mississippi (less bad, but still 'ouch'), and a humiliating 62-39 loss to Maryland.
Taking a look at the Lions remaining schedule, let's assume they need to get to 18 wins (minimum) and then win at least one game in the conference tournament to merit at-large consideration. That means they need AT LEAST six wins in their remaining contests.
Up next for Penn State is a tough trip to Illinois, followed by a visit from Michigan and a trip to Michigan State. In all reality if they fail to get two of those three, it is probably curtains for the Nittany Lions.
Let's assume for arguement's sake they do pick up the two wins they need. They would then need to steal four wins from the following list: Northwestern, Minnesota, @Wisconsin, @Northwestern, Ohio State and @Minnesota. They will likely be underdogs in five of those six games (possibly favored at home against Minnesota but not likely).
It's a very tough road ahead to Talor Battle and the Nittany Lions, but my best bet is they fall about one or two wins short and are left wondering what could have been... they are literally two plays away from being in the midst of a six game winning streak with five wins over ranked opponents. Ohio State needed a late defensive stop to eek out a three point win at home, and Purdue beat the Lions on a baseline jumper at the buzzer, 63-62. Win even one of those games, and the situation looks dramatically different.
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