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Watch: Penn State Reaction inside the Palestra vs Illinois

David Malandra Jr. January 3, 2026

Philadelphia: There is something about playing in special venues & that is what the Penn State Nittany Lions are doing as they took on the 20th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini at the Palestra, known as “The Cathedral of College Basketball.”

Listen to how it sounded inside the Palestra for Penn State Battle Illinois

Penn State takes the Floor for Pregame Warmups

#PennState takes the Floor at the Palestra for battle vs Number 20 Illinois #WeAre pic.twitter.com/R6UtXPW6q5

— David Malandra Jr (@DaveMReports) January 3, 2026