GAME DAY: Penn State MBB vs. Pittsburgh

OPENING TIPS

Penn State hits the road for the first time in 2026-27 when the Nittany Lions travel to Philadelphia for a neutral-site showdown against in-state rival Pittsburgh Sunday night at 8 p.m. inside the historic Palestra. The contest will air nationally on ESPN2.

Sunday marks the 150th all-time meeting between Penn State and Pittsburgh, with the Nittany Lions holding a narrow 76-73 advantage in the series. The matchup is part of the Palestra's 100th anniversary celebration.

Penn State enters Sunday's contest with a 2-0 record after defeating Canisius, 97-57, in its season opener before holding off Chattanooga, 97-93, Thursday evening.

The Nittany Lions have scored 97 points in each of their first two games, inlcuding 67 points a the charity stripe at 82.1 percent.

100 YEARS AT THE PALESTRA

Saturday's matchup will celebrate the Palestra's 100th anniversary while renewing an in-state rivalry for the 150th all-time meeting between Penn State and Pitt. The Palestra has long been intertwined with Penn State basketball history.

The Nittany Lions played their first game inside the famed arena on Jan. 27, 1927, less than a month after the building officially opened on New Year's Day.

The Nittany Lions have played 64 previous games at the Palestra and own a 25-39 all-time record in the historic building, including a 15-11 mark against opponents other than Penn.

LAST TIME OUT: PSU 97, CHATTANOOGA 93

Penn State survived a furious second-half comeback by Chattanooga to secure a 97-93 victory Thursday night at the Bryce Jordan Center, improving to 2-0 for the fifth consecutive season.

The Nittany Lions built a commanding 54-31 halftime advantage, marking their highestscoring first half since the 2024-25 season opener against Binghamton.

Chattanooga responded with a 62-point second half, but Penn State made timely plays down the stretch to preserve the four-point victory. 

Graduate forward Josh Reed led the way with a career-high-tying 25 points, converting a careerbest 15-of-16 free-throw attempts while adding a game-high five steals. Sophomore Ivan Jurić posted his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

OFFENSE FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS

Penn State has wasted little time finding its offensive rhythm, scoring 97 points in each of its first two games to average 97.0 points per contest.

The Nittany Lions opened the season with a 97- 57 victory over Canisius, shooting 55.4 percent from the field and recording 20 assists on 36 made baskets.

Penn State followed with another 97-point performance against Chattanooga, highlighted by 54 first-half points and six players reaching double figures.

Through two contests, the Nittany Lions are shooting 50.8 percent (60-for-118) from the field and have recorded 34 assists on 60 made baskets. Penn State has also outscored its opponents by an average of 22.0 points per game while scoring a combined 194 points.

FREE POINTS

The Nittany Lions have been outstanding at the free-throw line through their first two contests, connecting on 64-of-78 attempts for an 82.1 percent clip.

Penn State made 21-of-29 free throws in its season opener against Canisius before turning in an exceptional performance against Chattanooga, converting 43-of-49 (87.8 percent). 

The 43 made free throws against the Mocs accounted for nearly half of Penn State's 97 points, with the Nittany Lions outscoring Chattanooga 43-14 at the line.

Reed has led the charge, connecting on 19- of-20 free throws (95.0 percent) through two games, including a career-high 15 makes against Chattanooga. 

Roko Prkačin has added nine made free throws, while Ivan Jurić has converted 14-of-19 attempts.

EXPERIENCE LEADING THE WAY

Penn State's returning core has provided stability through the opening week, highlighted by strong performances from Reed and Jurić.

Reed ranks second on the team in scoring at 18.5 points per game, while shooting 60.0 percent from the field and 95.0 percent from the freethrow line. The Atlanta, Ga., native has scored in double figures in both contests, including a career-high-tying 25 points against Chattanooga.

Jurić has recorded a double-double in each of Penn State's first two games, averaging 14.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. Together, Reed and Jurić are averaging 33.0 points and 16.0 rebounds per contest.