Penn State returns to State College for its annual THON game, where it will take on the Washington Huskies. Saturday will be the first meeting between the two programs. Washington was one of four newcomers to the Big Ten this season.
If Penn State wins, it will improve to 11-2 at the Bryce Jordan Center and snap its six-game losing streak.
THON is a year-long effort that raises funds and awareness for childhood cancer. THON is the largest student-run philanthropic event in the world and has raised more than $236 million since it began in 1973. The event’s efforts culminate in a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon in February. This year’s marathon is scheduled for Feb. 21-23 inside the BJC.
Interested individuals and parties can find more information and donate at this link.
GAME DETAILS
Date: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. EST
Site: Bryce Jordan Center
City: University Park, Pa.
Network: Big Ten Network
GAME ODDS
Odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Odds:ย Penn State (-265), Washington (+215)
Spread:ย Penn State (-5.5)
Over-Under:ย 150.5 points
GAME NOTES
Penn State (13-12, BIG TEN 3-11), 73rd KenPom, 73rd NET
Nick Kern Jr. attacks the basket against Indiana at the Palestra. (Penn State Athletics)
Tuesdayโs 92-67 loss to USC was the sixth in a row for the Nittany Lions. The Trojans had a historic shooting performance, making 12 of their 16 3s. USC shot 67.3% from the field. Since the turn of the new year, Penn State has gone 2-12, losing nine of its last 10. Head coach Mike Rhoades took responsibility for the loss and his teamโs recent performance.
โIt’s my fault,โ Rhoades said during his postgame interview. โI take full responsibility for this.
โWeโre just in such a such a rut here, this last 40 days, and it’s disappointing, but, you know, nobody feels sorry for us. That’s how it goes. We have to get back at it.โ
Injuries have plagued PSUโs roster but itโs allowed some underclassmen to step up. Among those, freshman Dominick Stewart has come on in his last two games, scoring seven against UCLA and then a season-high 13 at USC.
Washington (12-12, BIG TEN 3-10), 93rd KenPom, 94th NET
Zoom Diallo (9) receives a screen from Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) in Washington’s game against Ohio State. (University of Washington Athletics)
Washingtonโs coming off a 24-point loss to Ohio State Wednesday. It has lost eight of its last 10 games and is 17th in the Big Ten. Washington is 1-6 on the road and travels to the Bryce Jordan Center where Penn State has a 10-2 record.
Statistical Leaders:
Great Osobor: 15.3 PTS | 8.5 REB (fourth in Big Ten) | 3.1 AST | 1.9 STL (third in Big Ten)
- Leads team in all four listed categories
Tyler Harris: 12.5 PTS | 5.1 REB | 50 3P%
- Last four games: 17.25 points, 13-for-18 3-point shooting
Zoom Diallo: 10.9 PTS | 3.0 REB | 2.8 AST
KEY STAT
The turnover margin could be a deciding factor in which team prevails in this first-time matchup. Both teams rank in the top ten for both turnovers per game and defensive turnover percentage in the conference:
- Penn State turnovers per game: 12.2 (third)
- Washington turnovers per game: 12.1 (fourth)
- Penn State defensive turnover percentage: 17.1% (second)
- Washington defensive turnover percentage: 15.4% (seventh)
