- Matchup: North Carolina Central Eagles vs Penn State Nittany Lions
- Scheduled Date: Monday, December 29, 2025
- Venue: Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA
- Broadcast: BTN
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The North Carolina Central Eagles (4-10) are set to face the Penn State Nittany Lions (8-4) at the Bryce Jordan Center this Monday.
In their last game, the North Carolina Central Eagles faced Longwood, suffering a narrow defeat by a score of 74-72. The Eagles achieved a field goal percentage of 45.1%, hitting 23 of 51 shots, but struggled from behind the arc, making only 2 of 17 attempts. At the free throw line, they were more effective, converting 24 of 30 for an 80.0% success rate. On the boards, the Eagles secured 25 rebounds, including 6 offensive ones, and distributed 13 assists, while forcing their opponents into 18 turnovers and recording 11 steals. Defensively, North Carolina Central allowed Longwood to shoot 44.8% from the field, as they converted 26 out of 58 shots. Longwood compiled 14 assists and generated 9 steals, while managing a total of 37 rebounds (14 offensive, 23 defensive) without any blocks. Longwood’s free-throw percentage was 70.8%, hitting 17 of 24 attempts, and they made 5 out of 24 three-point shots. The foul count for the Eagles was 18, while Longwood committed 21 personal fouls.
Gage Lattimore was a standout performer for the Eagles, contributing 22 points on 6 of 15 shooting. He played for 36 minutes and registered 1 rebound while achieving 40.0% shooting from the field and dishing out 1 assist.
The Eagles enter this game with a record of 4-10. They average 72.6 points per game, ranking 290th nationally, and have a shooting percentage of 41.6%. From three-point range, the Eagles are converting 30.1% of their shots (83 of 276) and 73.6% from the free throw line. As a cohesive unit, they average 33.2 rebounds per game and have accumulated 205 assists this year, placing them 97th in Division 1 for assists. They commit an average of 12.1 turnovers and 19.1 fouls per outing.
On the defensive end, the Eagles force an average of 15.9 turnovers per game while drawing 18.6 fouls. They rank 341st in Division 1 in assists allowed, with 220 given up this season. Opponents shoot 45.2% against them (356 of 787), and they give up an average of 39.7 rebounds per game. From beyond the arc, they allow 34.3% shooting and rank 285th in points allowed per game at 77.7.
In their previous matchup, the Penn State Nittany Lions fell short against Pittsburgh, losing 80-46. The Nittany Lions gathered 18 defensive rebounds and 8 offensive boards, totaling 26 rebounds. They turned the ball over 12 times and recorded 5 steals. Pittsburgh recorded 15 fouls, granting the Nittany Lions 9 free throw attempts, of which they converted 6 at a 66.7% rate. From three-point range, Penn State managed 4 out of 23 attempts (17.4%). By the end, the Nittany Lions shot 18 of 55 from the floor, equating to 32.7%. Defensively, they allowed Pittsburgh to shoot 50.0% (30 of 60) from the field, 50.0% from distance (12 of 24), and 57.1% from the free throw line (8 of 14). In total, they allowed Pittsburgh 35 rebounds (8 offensive).
Freddie Dilione V was a key player for the Nittany Lions, scoring 23 points in 34 minutes and recording 1 assist. He shot 10 of 17, achieving 58.8% and secured 6 rebounds.
This season, Penn State holds a record of 8-4. The Nittany Lions average 14.3 personal fouls per game with a 71.8% free throw shooting percentage. They dish out an average of 13.4 assists per game (259th nationally) and commit 9.1 turnovers per contest. With 938 points scored this season, they average 78.2 per game and grab 31.3 rebounds on average. Offensively, the Nittany Lions have a shooting percentage of 48.2%, ranking them 73rd in the nation.
Defensively, Penn State has allowed 37.8% shooting from three-point range (113 of 299) and teams have converted 77.1% of their free throw attempts against them. They yield an average of 16.1 assists and 32.3 rebounds per game, ranking 321st and 83rd in Division 1, respectively. The Nittany Lions rank 222nd nationally in points allowed per game at 74.9, forcing 13.6 turnovers while allowing opponents to shoot 47.7% from the field (329th in college basketball).
Who will claim victory in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on North Carolina Central
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