Pittsburgh Panthers Dominate Penn State Nittany Lions
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 12:00 PM ET · Giant Center
Pittsburgh Panthers 80, Penn State Nittany Lions 46, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Pittsburgh Panthers vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Pittsburgh Panthers beat Penn State Nittany Lions 80-46 at Giant Center on December 21, 2025.
Who was favored in Pittsburgh Panthers vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Penn State Nittany Lions were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup, the Pittsburgh Panthers triumphed over the Penn State Nittany Lions with a final score of 80-46 at the Giant Center on December 21, 2025. This game showcased a stark contrast in performance between the two teams, particularly in the second half, where Pittsburgh outscored Penn State significantly.
The Panthers entered the game with a record of 7-6, having recently snapped a losing streak with a strong win against the Binghamton Bearcats, where they won 103-63. In their last ten games, Pittsburgh had a record of 4-6, averaging 73.0 points scored and allowing 71.6 points. Their recent form included a mixed bag of results, but the victory against Binghamton provided a much-needed boost in confidence.
On the other hand, the Nittany Lions had a home record of 8-4 and were looking to recover from two consecutive losses, including a narrow defeat to the Michigan State Spartans (72-76) just days prior. Over their last ten games, Penn State had a record of 7-3, showcasing their offensive capabilities with an average of 81.6 points scored per game, but they also allowed 75.1 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
The game began with both teams vying for control, but it was Pittsburgh that quickly established dominance. The Panthers' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was evident, particularly in the second half. Key plays included Cameron Corhen's contributions, who made a 20-foot jumper and followed it up with a free throw, extending Pittsburgh's lead to 70-41. The Panthers maintained their momentum, with Brandin Cummings and Omari Witherspoon also making significant contributions to the scoring.
In terms of home versus away performance, Penn State had a home record of 5-2, while Pittsburgh struggled on the road with an away record of 0-3 prior to this game. This match was crucial for both teams, but Pittsburgh's recent form and offensive execution proved too much for the Nittany Lions.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated a close contest, with Penn State favored by 1.5 points. The total points line was set at 146.5, reflecting expectations of a competitive scoring battle. However, the actual outcome was far from what the market anticipated.
Injuries did not play a significant role in this matchup, as both teams appeared to field their best available players. The conditions at the Giant Center were typical for a December evening, with fans eager to support their home team, but the atmosphere shifted dramatically as Pittsburgh took control of the game.
As the game progressed, viewers witnessed Pittsburgh's strategic execution and ability to adapt, particularly in the second half. The Panthers' scoring plays, including multiple three-pointers and effective layups, showcased their offensive depth and versatility. In contrast, Penn State struggled to find their rhythm, leading to a disappointing performance on their home court.
Ultimately, this game served as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where form and statistics can sometimes be overturned by sheer performance on the day. Pittsburgh's victory not only boosts their confidence but also highlights the challenges that Penn State will need to address moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PSU -1.5 | 146.5 o -108 / u -112 | Pittsburgh Panthers -108 · Penn State Nittany Lions -112 |
Leaders
- PointsFreddie Dilione V23Penn State Nittany Lions
- AssistsKayden Mingo5Penn State Nittany Lions
- ReboundsFreddie Dilione V6Penn State Nittany Lions
- PointsRoman Siulepa28Pittsburgh Panthers
- AssistsDamarco Minor7Pittsburgh Panthers
- ReboundsCameron Corhen8Pittsburgh Panthers
Recent form
Penn State Nittany Lions
Last 10: 7-3Streak L281.6 scored · 75.1 allowed per game5-2 at home
- L72-76vs Michigan State SpartansDec 13
- L72-113at Indiana HoosiersDec 10
- W87-76vs Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 2
- W90-59vs Sacred Heart PioneersNov 29
- W96-87vs Boston University TerriersNov 26
- L65-77vs Providence FriarsNov 22
- W84-80vs Harvard CrimsonNov 19
- W83-69at La Salle ExplorersNov 15
- W80-71vs Navy MidshipmenNov 11
- W87-43at New Haven ChargersNov 8
Pittsburgh Panthers
Last 10: 4-6Streak W173 scored · 71.6 allowed per game0-3 away
- W103-63vs Binghamton BearcatsDec 18
- L61-79at Villanova WildcatsDec 13
- L73-80vs Hofstra PrideDec 7
- L73-81vs Texas A&M AggiesDec 3
- W67-66vs Ohio State BuckeyesNov 29
- L75-83vs Quinnipiac BobcatsNov 23
- L67-77at UCF KnightsNov 21
- W84-50vs Bucknell BisonNov 18
- L49-71at West Virginia MountaineersNov 13
- W78-66vs Eastern Michigan EaglesNov 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Pittsburgh Panthers | Penn State Nittany Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-60 | 18-55 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 33 |
| Three-pointers | 12-24 | 4-23 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 17 |
| Free throws | 8-14 | 6-9 |
| Free throw % | 57 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 23 |
| Assists | 15 | 7 |
| Steals | 7 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 20 |
| Fouls | 15 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 34 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half31-15Cameron Corhen makes 1-foot dunk (Damarco Minor assists)
- 1st Half31-17Kayden Mingo makes driving layup
- 1st Half33-17Barry Dunning Jr. makes layup (Damarco Minor assists)
- 1st Half35-17Damarco Minor makes 3-foot dunk
- 1st Half35-20Freddie Dilione V makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 1st Half37-20Omari Witherspoon makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 1st Half40-20Damarco Minor makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half41-20Roman Siulepa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-21Josh Reed makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-22Josh Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-24Freddie Dilione V makes layup (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half41-26Kayden Mingo makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-28Josh Reed makes layup
- 2nd Half42-28Roman Siulepa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-30Kayden Mingo makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-30Brandin Cummings makes 20-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half45-30Brandin Cummings makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half46-30Brandin Cummings makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half46-32Freddie Dilione V makes layup (Melih Tunca assists)
- 2nd Half49-32Damarco Minor makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half51-32Roman Siulepa makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half51-34Freddie Dilione V makes 19-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half53-34Roman Siulepa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-34Roman Siulepa makes 24-foot three point jumper (Omari Witherspoon assists)
- 2nd Half56-37Josh Reed makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half59-37Roman Siulepa makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-37Omari Witherspoon makes 23-foot three point jumper (Damarco Minor assists)
- 2nd Half64-37Roman Siulepa makes layup (Damarco Minor assists)
- 2nd Half64-39Freddie Dilione V makes layup
- 2nd Half66-39Roman Siulepa makes layup (Damarco Minor assists)
- 2nd Half67-39Roman Siulepa makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-41Justin Houser makes layup (Freddie Dilione V assists)
- 2nd Half69-41Cameron Corhen makes 20-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-41Cameron Corhen makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-41Brandin Cummings makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-43Freddie Dilione V makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half74-43Brandin Cummings makes layup (Damarco Minor assists)
- 2nd Half77-43Omari Witherspoon makes 25-foot three point jumper (Macari Moore assists)
- 2nd Half77-46Justin Houser makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half80-46Roman Siulepa makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brandin Cummings assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Penn State Nittany Lions, below favours Pittsburgh Panthers.
Venue
- Giant CenterHershey, PA
- Attendance8191
- OfficialsBert Smith, Keith Kimble, Paul Szelc
Elsewhere
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