Ace Baldwin Jr., Penn State run past Purdue Fort Wayne

Ace Baldwin Jr. led the way with 25 points and 11 assists as Penn State remained unbeaten with a 102-89 victory over Purdue Fort Wayne on Wednesday in University Park, Pa.Five other players scored in double figures for the Nittany Lions (5-0): Zach Hicks (17 points), Yanic Konan Niederhauser (16 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks), Nick Kern Jr. (13 points), Freddie Dilione V (11 points) and Puff Johnson (11 points).Penn State shot well from the field (55.7 percent) and the 3-point arc (11 of 25, 44 percent), while its second-half numbers (71.9 percent shooting, 9 of 14 from 3-point range) were even more impressive.Purdue Fort Wayne (3-2) was led by Jalen Jackson’s 31 points and Corey Hadnot II’s 20 points. Eric Mulder chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Mastodons.With under 10 minutes remaining, Penn State led just 74-69 before Baldwin’s layup kickstarted a 12-0 run. Hicks connected on two 3-pointers during the burst, including a triple that made it 86-69 with 6:57 to play.Purdue Fort Wayne got within 94-85 with 1:27 to go, but Konan Niederhauser threw down a dunk on the next possession, and the hosts cruised to the finish line.The score was close throughout the first half until the Mastodons began to create some separation late in the session.

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