Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/260491
points, no assists, three turnovers and five personal fouls in just 14 minutes of action – was inconceivable coming from the guard who had averaged 16.3 points per game a year ago and had scored no fewer than 13 points in any game this sea- son prior to the Lions' trip to Illinois. "I definitely wasn't too happy about the Illinois and Minnesota games, but we moved on," Newbill said. "You live and you learn. I moved forward with my team. Me and Coach had a talk about it, and we're just moving forward." Newbill may not look at that two-game skid as a turning point in his season, but his statistical output indicates otherwise. In the four games that followed the losses to the Illini and Gophers, he averaged 18.6 points and helped lead Penn State to its first three-game winning streak in regu- lar-season Big Ten play since the 2008- 09 season. His 25-point scoring binge – including an overtime-forcing 3-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, as well as the winning jumper with just 3 seconds remaining in overtime – helped lift the Nittany Lions to their first victory against Ohio State in 19 tries. Frazier said Newbill's recognition as Big Ten Co-Player of the Week was well de- served. "He had two tremendous games, and even in the games before that, he made big-time shots and has been playing well," Frazier said. "I'm hoping that he continues to do that. It keeps helping us win, and all praise goes to him." Chambers acknowledged the many ways in which Newbill has grown on and off the floor. Said the Nittany Lions' third-year coach, "He's really stepped up as a leader. He's been as steady as they come. He's been very steady with his production, not just scoring but re- bounds and doing all of the little things for this team. "And then off the floor, really being more vocal, a more determined D.J. New- bill, who is trying to help Tim Frazier lead this team to places we haven't seen in years. He's done a fabulous job of coming with a consistent effort every single day." Frazier said Newbill's breakout has been a critical part of the team's fight to rebound from its slow start in Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions are eager to finish their up- and-down season on a high note, and in- dividual awards will be a good indication of their success. "Individual success can go a long way, but when you're not winning, it gets over- looked a lot," Frazier said. "For him to be doing it – it's a credit to the rest of the guys. "The more you win, the more success comes to the team. As long as we keep winning and keep doing the things we're doing, the success will come and people will recognize Penn State." ■ Bill Zimmerman ON A ROLL Newbill was named Big Ten Co-Player of the Week after averag- ing 22 points and 7.5 rebounds in vic- tories over Ohio State and Purdue.