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 added four more points for Penn State, but the Panthers consistently found their way to the paint. Pitt also racked up 10 fouls with 8:30 left in the first. The Nittany Lions had six straight free throws to take a 27-26 lead.

Josh Reed scored a spin-move step-back shot from the arc, followed by two 3-pointers from Brant Byers. Penn State took a six-point lead, the team’s biggest of the half.

Pitt eventually tied the game at 37 after forcing two turnovers, then took a one-point lead on a fast break. Pitt scored three more points to end the half, leaving Penn State trailing 42-38.

Penn State started the second half with possession but quickly turned it over. Pitt opened the second half with a 3-pointer, but Bowen answered with another.

The Nittany Lions made it a one-point game with an and-one and free throw from Bowen, two free throws from Byers, and a free throw from Wibaut.

Both teams traded a few back-and-forth possessions, but Penn State struggled to capitalize on Pitt turnovers and missed shots. The Panthers began shooting from beyond the arc and finding open lanes to the rim; however, the Nittany Lions took advantage of Pitt’s foul trouble.

Ndongo drew his fourth foul, leaving Pitt without one of its most dominant players. Penn State came back within two points, down 57-55, before Jalil Bethea scored an and-one and made the free throw for the Panthers.

Pitt drew eight fouls in the first 10 minutes of the second half, keeping the game close. Despite losing dominant players in the paint, the Panthers found open lanes on offense.

The Panthers eventually took an eight-point lead after Penn State drew up to 10 fouls in the half. With 1:44 left, Penn State had possession but failed to score. Jruić knocked down a 3-pointer after Pitt missed two shots.

Penn State then forced a turnover, allowing Reed an easy layup and making it a three-point game. The team then fouled to stop time on the clock, and Pitt scored one free throw to take a 78-74 lead over Penn State with 30 seconds remaining.

Bowen then took control, drew a shooting foul, and sank two free throws to make it a two-point game. However, the Panthers responded with two free throws and a turnover to seal the game.

Penn State lost a close match 82-76.

Takeaways

• Penn State struggled with fouls throughout the game. Tim Oboh and Ivan Jruić combined for five fouls early in the first half, leaving defensive troubles in the paint. Pitt scored 20 points in the paint in its first 26, dominating the rim. The Nittany Lions finished the first game with 26 fouls, giving Pitt 15 free-throw points.
• Dasonte Bowen appears to have taken the reins at point guard. The former Iowa player finished with 17 points, two assists, and a steal. He also went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, leading the team in free-throw percentage.
• Penn State’s second half was slower offensively. The physicality head coach Mike Rhoades implemented this offseason was tested against an aggressive Pitt team, showing the depth Power Four conferences bring in the paint.

What’s Next?

Penn State returns home to face Mercyhurst on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The game will be televised on Big Ten Network.

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