PHILADELPHIA — In a clash of surging Big Ten programs held at one of college basketball’s most storied venues, Indiana overcame a spirited late rally to defeat Penn State 77–71 on Sunday afternoon at The Palestra.
Led by a dominant performance from Oumar Ballo, who posted 25 points and 13 rebounds, the Hoosiers secured a critical road victory to move to 12–3 overall and 3–1 in conference play. Mackenzie Mgbako added 20 points — 15 of which came in the second half — helping Indiana withstand a determined Penn State comeback in the closing minutes.
The game marked Penn State’s fifth appearance at "The Cathedral of College Basketball," but the Nittany Lions fell to 3–2 all-time at the iconic Philadelphia arena. Despite a valiant effort, including 21 points from Nicholas Kern Jr. and 12 points and seven assists from Ace Baldwin Jr., Penn State (12–3, 2–2 Big Ten) couldn't overcome its cold shooting from deep, finishing just 14.3% (4-of-28) from three-point range.
Second Half Surge Defines Outcome
After a first half that ended tied at 29–29 following Kern’s clutch free throws, Indiana stormed out of the locker room. Mgbako ignited the Hoosiers' offense with a pair of three-pointers and a layup, quickly building a 41–29 lead. Additional baskets from Myles Rice and Ballo pushed the gap further, allowing Indiana to establish much-needed breathing room.
Trey Galloway's three-pointer midway through the second half extended Indiana's lead to 61–45, suggesting the Hoosiers might cruise to a relatively easy win. However, Penn State showed resilience. The Nittany Lions reeled off an 8–1 run, fueled by improved ball movement and hustle plays, trimming the deficit to 62–53.
Despite missing their first 13 attempts from beyond the arc, back-to-back threes by Freddie Dilione V and Kern reignited Penn State's hopes. A third straight three from Zach Hicks pulled Penn State within 73–71 with just under two minutes remaining.
Yet Indiana's poise under pressure proved decisive. Mgbako and Rice each calmly sank a pair of free throws in the final moments, while Penn State's Baldwin missed three critical three-point attempts in the closing 17 seconds, and Dilione misfired at the buzzer.
Shooting Woes Doom Penn State
Ultimately, poor shooting was the defining issue for the Nittany Lions. In addition to their struggles from deep, they hit just 58.6% of their free throws — a sharp contrast from their typical efficiency at the stripe, especially from a team featuring Baldwin, one of the Big Ten’s best free throw shooters (94.4%).
It was an uncharacteristic performance for a team that entered the game among the national leaders in several offensive categories, including scoring (7th at 87.9 points per game), assists (11th at 18.4 per game), field goal percentage (15th at 50.4%), and steals (18th at 10 per game).
Penn State's offense, normally balanced and potent, failed to find its rhythm early and had to play from behind throughout much of the second half. Kern's 21 points and energy off the bench kept the Nittany Lions within striking distance, but the team’s inability to capitalize on open looks ultimately sealed its fate.
Indiana’s Growth Under Pressure
For Indiana, Sunday’s win was about more than just adding another notch to the win column — it was about demonstrating growth. Head coach Mike Woodson's squad had struggled away from home earlier in the season, but the Hoosiers showed maturity and grit in closing out a game in a difficult environment.
The Hoosiers leaned heavily on their frontline tandem of Ballo and Mgbako, both of whom delivered when it mattered most. Ballo, in particular, continues to be a force in the paint, providing consistent scoring, rebounding, and interior defense.
Indiana’s ability to survive a late-game surge speaks to an improving toughness that will serve them well in the thick of Big Ten play.
What's Next
The road doesn't get any easier for either team. Indiana will host USC on Wednesday, offering another opportunity to build momentum and solidify their tournament resume.
Penn State, meanwhile, faces a daunting road test against nationally-ranked Illinois. If the Nittany Lions are to bounce back, they must rediscover their shooting touch and maintain the defensive intensity that had propelled them to a strong start this season.
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