Penn State Hoops Falls To Pitt 82-76 In Annual Palestra Game

Penn State Hoops Falls To Pitt 82-76 In Annual Palestra Game

Penn State men’s basketball (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten) fell to Pitt (3-0, 0-0 ACC) 82-76 in its annual game at The Palestra.

Penn State committed 26 fouls, which led to defensive struggles. Pitt dominated the paint early and played physically throughout.

Despite the close finish, Penn State’s lack of offensive momentum in the second half led to a loss.

How It Happened

Pitt won the opening tip after Ivan Jruić hit the ball out of bounds. The Panthers scored on their first four possessions, taking an early 8-4 lead.

The Nittany Lions drew five fouls in the first four minutes, giving Pitt more chances to score. Akir Souare and Baye Ndongo were dominating the paint for the Panthers, combining for eight points and three assists for the team’s first 10 points.

Dasonte Bowen responded with an and-one and an assist to François Wibaut, making it a three-point game. Jruić then followed with a smooth hook shot to make it 14-13.

Penn State later took the lead after a 3-pointer from Jay Rodgers and a free throw from Wibaut. However, foul issues continued to plague the Nittany Lions with nine in the first nine minutes.

Roko Prkačin and Wibaut ...