A Century of Rivalry
On November 8, the Penn State men’s basketball team will step onto the historic Palestra floor to face the University of Pittsburgh, a meeting that marks the 150th chapter in a rivalry that dates back a century.
Coach Mike Rhoades said the occasion feels like a celebration of the arena’s 100‑year legacy, noting that the Palestra has been a proving ground for countless moments in Penn State sport.
The Nittany Lions carry a 25‑39 all‑time record at the Palestra, but they have turned a corner recently, winning five of their last eight home games and pulling off a 73‑65 upset over No. 20 Illinois in their most recent appearance.
Despite the positive trend, the series with Pitt tells a different story: Penn State has dropped six of the past seven meetings, the latest a 80‑46 defeat at the GIANT Center in Hershey, and sits 76‑73 behind in the all‑time ledger.
Rhoades emphasized that closing that gap is a priority, not just for the record books but to fuel the energy of a crowd that will be on hand for the centennial celebration.
Fans can expect a charged atmosphere as the university prepares special tributes, and the game will serve as a benchmark for a program eager to rewrite its narrative on a stage that has witnessed both triumphs and trials.