Penn State basketball returning to roots at historic Rec Hall

Penn State basketball will return to Rec Hall for a second consecutive season. Both Mike Rhoades and the Nittany Lions and Carolyn Kieger and the Lady Lions will trek across campus to host matchups in the historic venue in the new year, the university announced on Wednesday.

Per the school’s official release, the women’s team will face Maryland on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The following day, the men’s squad will take on Ohio State.

Last season, the intimate Rec Hall environment helped Mike Rhoades and Penn State basketball pull off a last-minute upset of No. 12 Illinois. Taking place on a weeknight when filling the cavernous Bryce Jordan Center is often difficult, the packed Rec Hall stands poured onto the court following the stunning win.

Praise poured in for Penn State basketball in the days following the “Return to Rec,” leading some to question if it should be the team’s permanent home.

Now, the Nittany Lions will host a Big Ten opponent again in the Return to Rec this season. This time, it will be against rival Ohio State, a team in many early top 25 preseason rankings.

The game will be another opportunity for Penn State to give fans a different viewing experience than the Bryce Jordan Center. The Nittany Lions will also play Indiana at The Palestra in Philadelphia earlier in January.

Mike Rhoades looks to build off first season with Penn State basketball

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State basketball had an up-and-down year under Mike Rhoades in 2023-24. The Nittany Lions finished with a 16-17 (9-11 Big Ten) record and were knocked out in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.

This season, Penn State returns many of its contributors and welcomes in some of the best recruits the program has ever had. The Nittany Lions should be a strong contender to compete in the conference and reach the postseason. Whether that postseason berth is in the NCAA or NIT Tournament remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.

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