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.
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