On Thursday night, Penn State men’s basketball is taking it back to where it all began - Rec Hall. For the third straight season, the Nittany Lions will trade the modern amenities of the Bryce Jordan Center for the intimate, old-school energy of their former home. And if the past two years are any indication, it’s going to be electric.
This time, it’s Wisconsin coming to town. The Badgers roll into State College with a 13-5 overall record and a 5-2 mark in Big Ten play, riding a four-game winning streak and playing some of their best basketball of the season.
Their last outing? A 96-87 shootout win over Rutgers that showcased just how dangerous this team can be offensively.
Wisconsin’s attack is led by a trio that’s been lighting up the scoreboard. Senior guard Nick Boyd is the headliner, averaging 19.9 points per game while also chipping in 3.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
He’s a tough cover - quick off the dribble, confident from deep, and comfortable creating his own shot. Right behind him is John Blackwell, a 6-foot-4 junior guard putting up 18.6 points and 4.9 boards per game.
He’s a slasher with a nose for the rim and a knack for drawing contact. Then there’s Nolan Winter, the 7-foot junior forward who anchors the frontcourt with 14.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
He gives Wisconsin a legitimate inside presence and helps stretch the floor when needed.
As a team, the Badgers are putting up 83.5 points per game - a number that speaks to their pace, ball movement, and overall offensive efficiency. Head coach Greg Gard, now in his 11th season at the helm, has this group playing with confidence and cohesion.
On the other side, Penn State enters this one at 9-9 overall, still searching for its first Big Ten win at 0-7 in conference play. But don’t let the record fool you - there’s reason for optimism in Happy Valley, especially with the return of two key guards.
Freshman point guard Kayden Mingo is back in the lineup, and his impact is hard to miss. He’s leading the team in scoring at 15.2 points per game, while also averaging 3.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.4 steals.
That’s a full stat line, and he’s doing it efficiently - shooting 49% from the field. His ability to control tempo and create opportunities on both ends gives Penn State a much-needed spark.
Also returning is redshirt junior Freddie Dilione V., who’s putting up 13.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 47% from the floor. He adds another layer of scoring and experience to a backcourt that’s starting to find its rhythm again.
And then there’s the Rec Hall factor. Since moving to the Bryce Jordan Center in 1996, Penn State has played at Rec Hall just five times - going 3-2 in those games.
But every time they return, it feels like something special. The crowd is right on top of the action, the energy is different, and the players feed off it.
With the student section expected to pack the gym, the Nittany Lions are hoping that old-school atmosphere can help them flip the script on their conference season.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. on FS1. It’s a chance for Penn State to make a statement, and for fans to witness a throwback showdown in one of college basketball’s most unique settings.