PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — Melih Tunca scored 20 points and Penn State used a dominant first half to cruise past La Salle 83-69 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday at The Palestra.

The Nittany Lions remained undefeated, improving to 4-0, while the Explorers fell to 2-2.

Penn State seized control early, building a 42-29 lead by halftime. The Nittany Lions shot with remarkable efficiency, connecting on 57.9% of their field goals for the game, including 50% from 3-point range. Their offensive execution was highlighted by an offensive rating of 129.2, meaning they scored 129.2 points per 100 possessions.

Tunca, a guard from Istanbul, Turkey, led all scorers and added four assists in 32 minutes. He was one of four Penn State players to score in double figures. Freddie Dilione V contributed 16 points, while Kayden Mingo and Ivan Juric added 14 and 11 points, respectively. Mingo also dished out a team-high seven assists.

La Salle, which struggled with 15 turnovers, was led by Ashton Walker’s 13 points and six assists. Jerome Brewer and Jaeden Marshall each scored 13 points, with Brewer pulling down seven rebounds.

Despite a more competitive second half in which La Salle outscored Penn State 40-41, the Explorers could never overcome the large early deficit. Penn State’s defense was a key factor, converting the 15 La Salle turnovers into 16 points and holding a significant 14-3 advantage in fastbreak points. The Nittany Lions also dominated scoring in the paint, 44-30.

Penn State entered the game as a heavy favorite according to statistical projections and covered the pregame spread. The combined score of 152 fell under the projected over/under line.

Penn State’s next game is at home against Harvard on Wednesday. La Salle will host Villanova, also on Wednesday.