Weekend Hoops Preview: Rivalries, Redemption, and Rising Stars
We’re heading into the holiday stretch, but there’s no slowing down on the hardwood. This weekend is packed with meaningful matchups across the men’s and women’s college basketball landscape - from long-standing rivalries to first-time showdowns, and even a few players making serious noise nationally. Let’s break down what’s ahead.
MEN’S: Robert Morris at Saint Francis
**Saturday, 1 p.m.
| DeGol Arena, Loretto**
Records: Robert Morris (9-4, 2-1 Horizon) vs.
Saint Francis (2-10, 0-0 NEC)
Watch: NEC Front Row
This marks the 94th all-time meeting between these two programs, a rivalry that stretches back to the 1977-78 season. While conference realignments have shifted the stakes over the years, the familiarity remains - and so does the competitive edge. Robert Morris leads the series 55-38 overall and holds a slight 25-21 advantage in games played in Loretto.
For Saint Francis, this is the final tune-up before NEC play begins on Jan. 2. The Red Flash are looking to build momentum after a tough non-conference slate.
Robert Morris, meanwhile, is coming off an emotional 80-77 overtime win against Youngstown State. The Colonials are paced by DeSeane Goode, who’s putting together a strong season with averages of 13.6 points and 9.2 boards per game.
He’s getting help from a balanced supporting cast - Ryan Prather Jr. (12.8 ppg) and Nikolaos Chitkoudis (11.8 ppg) are both scoring in double figures.
Prediction: Robert Morris 77, Saint Francis 66
WOMEN’S: Penn State vs. VCU
**Saturday, 3:30 p.m. | Henrico Sports & Events Center, Va.
**
Records: Penn State (6-4, 0-1 Big Ten) vs.
VCU (4-8, 0-1 Atlantic 10)
Watch: ESPN+
Penn State is part of the 4 Tha Culture Holiday Classic this weekend, and they’re looking to bounce back after a humbling 95-55 loss to powerhouse South Carolina. That game was closer than the final score suggests - the Lady Lions trailed by just 12 at the break before the Gamecocks pulled away.
VCU, meanwhile, is trying to get back on track after a rocky stretch. The Rams started the season 3-1 but then dropped six straight before snapping the skid. This is only the second-ever meeting between the two programs - the last one came way back in 1983, a 95-46 win for Penn State.
Prediction: Penn State 85, VCU 63
MEN’S: Pitt vs. Penn State
Sunday, Noon | The GIANT Center, Hershey
Records: Pitt (6-6, 0-0 ACC) vs.
Penn State (8-3, 0-2 Big Ten)
Watch: Big Ten Network
This is a throwback matchup with plenty of history. Pitt and Penn State haven’t faced off since 2017, when the Nittany Lions rolled to an 85-54 win. Penn State leads the all-time series 76-72, with this rivalry dating all the way back to 1906.
Penn State enters with an 8-3 record but is still searching for its first Big Ten win. Freshman Kayden Mingo has been a revelation, averaging 15 points per game, while Freddie Dilione V (14.2) and Melih Tunca (12.1) give the Nittany Lions a potent trio. They also lead the nation in fewest turnovers per game - just 8.8 - which speaks to their discipline and ball control.
Pitt, on the other hand, is still looking for its first road win of the season. The Panthers are coming off a 103-63 blowout of Binghamton, and they bring scoring depth with four players averaging double digits: Cameron Corhen (13.7), Brandin Cummings (13.2), Barry Dunning Jr. (12.8), and Damarco Minor (10.4).
Expect a tight one - and a loud one - in Hershey.
Prediction: Penn State 71, Pitt 68
WOMEN’S: Penn State vs. Richmond
**Sunday, 2:30 p.m. | Henrico Sports & Events Center, Va.
**
Records: Penn State (TBA) vs.
Richmond (9-3, 1-0 Atlantic 10)
Watch: ESPN+
Richmond comes into this one with a hot hand and a star on the rise. Maggie Doogan is averaging 23.8 points per game - seventh in the nation - and she’s already been named A-10 Player of the Week four times this season. The Spiders also know how to shoot the lights out, ranking seventh nationally in three-pointers made per game (14.58).
Their three losses? Two came against ranked opponents - No.
4 Texas and No. 8 TCU - so this is a battle-tested squad.
Penn State owns a 2-0 edge in the series, but they’ll need to bring their best to slow down Doogan and a Richmond team that’s clicking on both ends.
Prediction: Richmond 75, Penn State 68
WOMEN’S: Saint Francis at Fordham
**Sunday, 1 p.m.
| Rose Hill Gym, Bronx, N.Y. **
Records: Saint Francis (0-10) vs. Fordham (7-4)
Watch: ESPN+
This will be the first-ever meeting between Saint Francis and Fordham, and it comes as both teams wrap up non-conference play before diving into league action next week.
For Saint Francis, sophomore Gemma Walker is coming off a career-high 15-point outing against Pitt, while Shelby Hicks posted her second double-double of the season (12 rebounds, 11 points). The Red Flash are still searching for their first win, but young players are starting to find their rhythm.
Fordham has been steady, and head coach Bridgette Mitchell brings a championship pedigree from her playing days at Duke. The Rams are led by Alexis Black, who’s averaging 20.1 points per game and has been a consistent scoring threat all season.
Prediction: Fordham 79, Saint Francis 57
Basketball Hall of Fame: First-Time Nominees Announced
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame unveiled its list of first-time nominees for next year’s class, and it’s stacked with star power.
Headlining the group are Blake Griffin and Candace Parker - two players who helped redefine their positions in the modern era. Jamal Crawford, one of the most electrifying sixth men the NBA has ever seen, is also on the list, along with the legendary 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team that took home gold in Atlanta.
Other notable first-time nominees include Elena Delle Donne, Joe Johnson, and coaching minds like Bruce Pearl, Kelvin Sampson, and Mike D’Antoni. Jennifer Azzi, who was part of that ’96 Olympic team, is back on the ballot individually after being a finalist last year.
The full list includes nearly 200 players, coaches, and contributors - a deep and deserving pool for what promises to be another memorable class.
Plenty of hoops on tap this weekend, with rivalries renewed and resumes on the line. Whether you’re tracking future Hall of Famers or watching a freshman break out, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow.