Penn State Nittany Lions

Are part of the Big Ten Conference, were established in 1855, and their home arena is the Bryce Jordan Center, Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania.
Penn State Nittany Lions

Embark on a journey through the rich history of the Penn State Nittany Lions, a team synonymous with resilience, dedication, and spirit in the realm of NCAA basketball. From their inception to the present day, the Nittany Lions have embodied the essence of collegiate sportsmanship and excellence.

Intriguing Facts About the Penn State Nittany Lions

  • The team’s first season dates back to 1896–97.
  • They reached the NCAA tournament Final Four in 1954, a pinnacle of their early success.
  • Bryce Jordan Center, with a capacity of 15,261, has been their home since the 1995-96 season.
  • The Nittany Lions have had 10 NCAA tournament appearances with a combined record of 10–11.
  • Their student cheering section is famously known as the ‘Legion of Blue’.

Penn State Nittany Lions Latest News

The Historical Tapestry of the Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State Nittany Lions basketball started in the late 19th century, growing into an NCAA Division I team. The team’s home games are played at the Bryce Jordan Center, a transition that marked a new era for the team since 1996. They are part of the Big Ten Conference and have made significant strides in NCAA tournaments, with their most notable achievement being the Final Four appearance in 1954​​​​.

The Golden Era (Coach Elmer Gross, 1949-54)

The golden era of Penn State basketball was under Coach Elmer Gross from 1949 to 1954. During these years, the team showcased remarkable performance, including reaching the NCAA tournament Final Four in 1954, a testament to Gross’s effective coaching and leadership​​.

 Legendary Figures in Penn State Nittany Lions History

Key figures in the team’s history include coaches like Elmer Gross and players like Jesse Arnelle, who was a two-time All-American. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the program’s legacy​​​​.

A Game to Remember

The 1954 NCAA tournament games, particularly the Final Four appearance, remain etched in the memory of Nittany Lions fans. These games showcased the team’s tenacity and skill on a national stage.

Penn State Nittany Lions 2024 Schedule

Regular Season

Week Date Opponent Result
Week 1 Date: Mon 06/11/2023 Opponent: Delaware State Hornets Result: W 79-45
Week 1 Date: Fri 10/11/2023 Opponent: Lehigh Mountain Hawks Result: W 74-65
Week 2 Date: Tue 14/11/2023 Opponent: St. Francis (PA) Red Flash Result: W 83-53
Week 2 Date: Fri 17/11/2023 Opponent: Morehead St. Eagles Result: W 74-51
Week 3 Date: Thu 23/11/2023 Opponent: Texas A&M Aggies Result: L 77-89
Week 3 Date: Fri 24/11/2023 Opponent: Butler Bulldogs Result: L 78-88
Week 3 Date: Sun 26/11/2023 Opponent: VCU Rams Result: L 74-86
Week 4 Date: Sat 02/12/2023 Opponent: Bucknell Bison Result: L 67-76
Week 5 Date: Wed 06/12/2023 Opponent: Maryland Terrapins Result: L 75-81
Week 5 Date: Sat 09/12/2023 Opponent: Ohio St. Buckeyes Result: W 83-80
Week 6 Date: Sat 16/12/2023 Opponent: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Result: L 81-82
Week 7 Date: Thu 21/12/2023 Opponent: Le Moyne Dolphins Result: W 72-55
Week 8 Date: Fri 29/12/2023 Opponent: Rider Broncs Result: W 90-63
Week 9 Date: Thu 04/01/2024 Opponent: Michigan St. Spartans Result: L 61-92
Week 9 Date: Sun 07/01/2024 Opponent: Michigan Wolverines Result: W 79-73
Week 10 Date: Wed 10/01/2024 Opponent: Northwestern Wildcats Result: L 72-76
Week 10 Date: Sat 13/01/2024 Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers Result: L 78-95
Week 11 Date: Tue 16/01/2024 Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers Result: W 87-83
Week 11 Date: Sat 20/01/2024 Opponent: Ohio St. Buckeyes Result: L 67-79
Week 12 Date: Sat 27/01/2024 Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers Result: L 74-83
Week 13 Date: Wed 31/01/2024 Opponent: Rutgers Scarlet Knights Result: W 61-46
Week 13 Date: Sat 03/02/2024 Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers Result: W 85-71
Week 14 Date: Thu 08/02/2024 Opponent: Iowa Hawkeyes Result: W 89-79
Week 14 Date: Sun 11/02/2024 Opponent: Northwestern Wildcats Result: L 63-68
Week 15 Date: Wed 14/02/2024 Opponent: Michigan St. Spartans Result: L 72-80
Week 15 Date: Sat 17/02/2024 Opponent: Nebraska Cornhuskers Result: L 49-68
Week 16 Date: Wed 21/02/2024 Opponent: Illinois Fighting Illini Result: W 90-89
Week 16 Date: Sat 24/02/2024 Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers Result: W 83-74
Week 17 Date: Tue 27/02/2024 Opponent: Iowa Hawkeyes Result: L 81-90
Week 17 Date: Sat 02/03/2024 Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers Result: L 70-75
Week 18 Date: Sun 10/03/2024 Opponent: Maryland Terrapins Result: W 85-69

Post Season

Week Date Opponent Result
Conf. Tournament Date: Wed 13/03/2024 Opponent: Michigan Wolverines Result: W 66-57
Conf. Tournament Date: Thu 14/03/2024 Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers Result: L 59-61

 Home of Penn State Nittany Lions: Bryce Jordan Center

The Bryce Jordan Center, with a seating capacity of over 15,000, has been the home of the Nittany Lions since 1995. This arena has been a fortress for the team, providing an electrifying atmosphere for home games​​.

Find the latest NCAA Football Picks for Free

References: