Penn State basketball has finally had the entire schedule released, with the Nittany Lions’ Big Ten slate being revealed.
The Nittany Lions open with Michigan State in conference on December 7th.
The highlight of the schedule comes on Sunday January 8th when the Penn State Basketball returns to Philadelphia and the Palestra to face Purdue.
This will be the Lions’ first trip back to the Palestra since the exciting 89-86 win over Iowa back in January, 2020.
<< BUY PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS GEAR >>
The Palestra has been a key recruiting game that has kept the Nittany Lions involved in Philadelphia recruiting. The fact that it is against Purdue and Penn State Basketball head coach Micah Shrewsberry’s old head coach, in Matt Painter, adds another level of intrigue.
Other opponents include Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Rutgers, and Maryland.
The 22-23 B1G slate 👀🗓️
🔗: https://t.co/ZgH5CPuBTU#WeAre pic.twitter.com/wL98C4yOvI
— Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) September 8, 2022
How schedule shapes up for Penn State Basketball
A big benefit to Penn State Basketball this season is that they get five of their 10 conference home games on the weekend, as well as the Palestra game also falling on a Sunday.
This is a stark difference from last season, which saw the Nittany Lions only getting two games on the weekend.
If the Nittany Lions can continue to be competitive in conference play, expect large crowds in the Bryce Jordan Center like the 2020 season.
There are four home games that will feature an early top-25 ranked team. Year 2 in the Shrewsberry era will be a combination of exciting freshman talent as well as a lot of solid returning starters.
This schedule sets up for a potential return to the postseason for the Nittany Lions for the first time since 2018.
READ NEXT: Influx of young talent should raise Penn State Basketball expectations