Penn State returned to Rec Hall in style.
In the first conference home game at the nearly 100-year-old venue since 1996, Penn State stormed back down seven points in the final minute to stun No. 12 Illinois 90-89.
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins missed two free throws in front of the student section after appearing to travel with the basketball but was assessed a foul to send him to the line. Trailing 89-87 with 27 seconds left, Zach Hicks drained three clutch free throws with four seconds left after being contacted behind the line.
A White Out crowd embraced Penn State on the home floor following the upset and PSU’s second top-15 home victory.
IT’S STORMING IN REC HALL😤⛈️#WeAre pic.twitter.com/SBoWjnvyY3
— Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) February 22, 2024
The “Return to Rec” ended in a stunning and incredible way (and should happen more often).
WE ARE! 🗣️
Penn State erases a 14-point deficit to upset No. 12 Illinois 🦁 pic.twitter.com/GPywlNhvCg
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) February 22, 2024
