Penn State upsets No. 12 Illinois in thrilling Rec Hall match
In a stunning turn of events, Penn State’s basketball team managed to upset No. 12 Illinois in a nail-biting match at Rec Hall. The victory came just days after the dismissal of the team’s leading scorer, Kanye Clary, making the win even more impressive. With three seconds remaining on the clock, Penn State’s Zach Hicks drained three free throws, securing a one-point lead that the team would not relinquish. The crowd of 6,150 fans erupted in cheers, filling the intimate environment with celebration and excitement.
Rec Hall, a 95-year-old facility located across campus from Penn State’s usual home in the Bryce Jordan Center, proved to be the perfect backdrop for this season-defining moment. The gym’s close proximity to the court and rowdy atmosphere created a true home-court advantage for the Nittany Lions. The fans, particularly the students filling in along the baseline, were boisterous and spirited throughout the game.
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood acknowledged the unique environment created by Rec Hall, expressing his admiration for Penn State’s administration for trying something new. He noted that the intimate atmosphere and buzz in the stadium made it a great environment for college basketball. Prior to this game, Penn State had not played a basketball game in Rec Hall since 2015. The team’s usual home, the Bryce Jordan Center, often feels empty or hollow due to its large capacity and frequent use for concerts and events.
For Penn State head coach Mike Rhoades, this victory was a testament to his team’s toughness and their commitment to being great teammates. Rhoades emphasized the importance of moving forward and continuously working to improve. The win could potentially propel the entire program forward as Rhoades nears the end of his first season at Penn State.
On the other hand, Illinois struggled to maintain their lead in the game, ultimately crumbling under the pressure. Despite a strong performance from Terrence Shannon Jr., who finished with a career-high 35 points, the Illini made several critical mistakes in the final minutes of the game. Underwood expressed his disappointment in his team’s performance, citing missed free throws, turnovers, and defensive lapses as contributing factors to their loss.
The question of whether Penn State will play more games in Rec Hall in the future arose after the game. Rhoades expressed his desire to continue thinking outside the box and playing games at different venues. Penn State has previously played in Philadelphia at the Palestra and had a neutral site game at Madison Square Garden this season. Rhoades hopes to maintain the old-school atmosphere and excitement that Rec Hall provides, but acknowledges that it is ultimately an administrative decision.
While Rec Hall may not be the most convenient venue for regular men’s and women’s basketball games due to its multiple uses for other sports and campus events, this game served as a reminder of the unique atmosphere it can provide. The Return to Rec games have consistently showcased the energy and excitement that comes with playing in a smaller, more intimate setting. The Bryce Jordan Center, despite its capacity, has not been able to replicate that same atmosphere.