The Penn State men’s basketball team is set to host Boston University on Tuesday night at the Bryce Jordan Center, with the game scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. and broadcasted nationally on Peacock. This matchup marks the beginning of a crucial three-game homestand for the Nittany Lions.
After starting the season strong with a 5-1 record, Penn State is looking to bounce back from a recent loss to Providence. The Nittany Lions are excited to return to their home court, where they have built a strong non-conference trajectory, winning 12 consecutive games at the Bryce Jordan Center and holding a 16-1 record in non-conference games under third-year head coach Mike Rhoades.
Freshman Kayden Mingo is leading the team in scoring with an impressive 14.5 points per game, alongside contributions from fellow freshmen Freddie Dilione V (14.0 ppg) and Melih Tunca (13.8 ppg). The emergence of these young players has added significant depth to the team, allowing Penn State to average 79.2 points per game while shooting 49% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc.
On the other side, Boston University arrives with a 3-3 record and is coming off an exciting 75-74 victory over Harvard, secured by a last-second drive by freshman Chance Gladden. Leading the Terriers is Ben Defty, who averages 13.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Boston University has shown resilience, winning tight contests against Northeastern and Brown.
Historically, this will be just the fourth meeting between Penn State and Boston University, with the last encounter dating back to 1984 where the Terriers won twice. The Nittany Lions hope to change the narrative with a strong performance on their home turf.
Notably, Penn State ranks in the top 10 nationally for fewest turnovers (7.8 per game, 6th in the nation) and fouls (13.2 per game, 7th), showcasing the discipline of this young team. The depth of the Nittany Lions has been highlighted by their bench outscoring opponents’ benches dramatically so far this season.
Penn State’s freshmen have made an impressive impact, contributing over half of the team’s points, rebounds, and assists. The dynamic play of Kayden Mingo, who has been recognized as a Top 50 Impact Newcomer, has added to the excitement surrounding the team. With consistency from veteran players like Dilione and the firepower from the newcomers, the Nittany Lions look to continue building momentum as they approach the game against Boston University.
The anticipation is high as fans of Penn State prepare to support their team in search of a victory that could set a positive tone for the remainder of the season.