Penn State Basketball: Key Player Out Against Minnesota

Originally posted on Nittany Sports Now
By Brennan Valladares | Last updated Feb 4, 2025 8:30 PM ET

Penn State junior transfer Yanic Konan Niederhauser was listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday’s game against Minnesota, but he has now been ruled out.

According to Daniel Gallen of Lions247, Konan Niederhauser was not participating during pregame warmups and was seen in a boot and street clothes before the game.

Penn State forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser is in street clothes with a boot on his left foot. the 7-footer is averaging 12.7 points & 6.2 rebounds per game for the Nittany Lions this season. huge loss for Penn State for tonight’s game vs. Minnesota & beyond.

— Daniel Gallen (@danieljtgallen) February 4, 2025

The 7-foot Swiss is having a breakout year with the Nittany Lions, averaging 12.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and a league-high 2.1 blocks.

Details of the injury and its extent are unknown at the time. Tuesday’s game will be the first Konan Nierderhauser has missed all season long, opening up opportunities for sophomore Kachi Nzeh and freshman Miles Goodman to take on larger roles.

With fifth-year senior Puff Johnson already out with a right-hand injury, Penn State will have to adjust its game plan to guard Dawson Garcia, the second-leading scorer in the Big Ten.

The Nittany Lions — who are seven-point favorites against Minnesota — will look to snap their three-game losing streak Tuesday. Mike Rhoades’ squad is 10-1 inside the Bryce Jordan Center, hoping to use that momentum to end this current skid. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.

This article first appeared on Nittany Sports Now and was syndicated with permission.

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