Penn State vs Pittsburgh Prediction 12/21/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Penn State vs Pittsburgh prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, December 21st at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions are 8-3 this season after they lost to Michigan State by a score of 76-72 in their last game. Penn State led 39-36 at halftime, but was outscored 40-33 in the second half for the loss. The Nittany Lions shot 42% from the field, 28% on three pointers, and 89% on free throws in the game. Freddie Dilione V led Penn State with 23 points and three assists, while Kayden Mingo added 11 points and eight assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Penn State lost to Indiana by a score of 113-72, but did beat Campbell by a score of 87-76 before that. The Nittany Lions have scored 81.1 points per game with 31.5 rebounds and 14.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.5 points against per game this season. Kayden Mingo is averaging 15.0 points and 4.4 assists per game, while Freddie Dilione V is averaging 14.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Nittany Lions. Penn State is shooting 49.5% from the field, 72.0% on free throws, and 35.8% on three pointers this season. 

Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Panthers are 6-6 this year after they defeated Binghamton by a score of 103-63 in their last game. Pittsburgh led 57-34 at halftime and added 46 points in the second half for the easy win. The Panthers shot 62% from the field, 59% on three pointers, and 63% on free throws in the game. Barry Dunning Jr led Pittsburgh with 23 points and one assist, while Brandin Cummings added 17 points and four assists in the win. 

Prior to that game, Pittsburgh lost to Villanova by a score of 79-61 and Hofstra by a score of 80-73. The Panthers have scored 73.5 points per game with 35.7 rebounds and 13.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 69.6 points against per game this season. Cameron Corhen is averaging 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, while Brandin Cummings is averaging 13.2 points and 2.2 assists per game for the Panthers. Pittsburgh is shooting 45.3% from the field, 69.3% on free throws, and 35.8% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win

• Penn State has won 12 of its last 13 games against non-Conference opponents.
• Pittsburgh has lost seven of its last eight day games.
• Pittsburgh has lost the first half in each of its last four day games.

Why the Pittsburgh Panthers will win

• Penn State has lost each of its last four day games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
• Pittsburgh has won five of its last six day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
• Penn State has lost the first half in each of its last four day games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Penn State’s last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 149+ points.
• Four of Pittsburgh’s last five games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.

Penn State vs Pittsburgh Prediction 

Penn State comes into this matchup on a two game losing streak, but they nearly upset Michigan State last time out. The Nittany Lions are shooting 50% from the field and they have scored 87+ points in three of their last five. Pittsburgh has lost three of their last four games and they are shooting 45% from the field. The Panthers have allowed 79+ in three of their last four and we have seen some poor play out of them over the last few weeks. I don’t love it, but take Penn State here.