Penn State men’s basketball is taking a different approach to its annual Return to Rec game.
The Nittany Lions on Thursday announced they’ll be facing Lafayette in Rec Hall on Dec. 19, opting for a nonconference opponent for the first time since bringing back the series in 2024. The last three Return to Rec games came against No. 12 Illinois (90-89 win), Ohio State (83-64 loss) and Wisconsin (98-71 loss).
Previously, Penn State played in Rec Hall on three other occasions, including Princeton in 2013 (81-79 overtime loss) and 2015 against Canisius (81-67 win) and Louisiana-Monroe (54-50 win). In total, that marks a 3-3 record in Rec Hall since moving to the Bryce Jordan Center as the permanent venue.
Though the event has typically drawn strong attendance, last year’s bout against the Badgers amid a difficult season resulted in a poor showing.
Additionally, this year’s matchup against the Leopards — who finished last season with an 11-21 record — will be on the first official day of winter break for students, coming the Saturday after finals week.
More Penn State Basketball
View all Penn State Basketball
Penn State Men’s Basketball Announces Full Nonconference Schedule
More pieces of Penn State men’s basketball’s schedule have fallen into place. The Nittany Lions on Thursday morning announced their complete 12-game nonconference schedule for the 2026-27 season, including eight […]
Josh Reed to Return to Penn State for Fifth Year After Judge Grants Injunction
Penn State men’s basketball celebrated just one player on Senior Day last year: forward Josh Reed. But following an injunction granted to the class of 2022 athletes, Reed will return […]
Column: The Penn State Men’s Basketball Paradox
Penn State has always been and likely will always be a sports school, first and foremost. With 85 team national championships, 335 conference championships (regular season plus tournament), a historic […]
