Penn State vs. Michigan Preview: Lions Return to BJC

Penn State returns to the Bryce Jordan Center for the first time in 2026 to take on the red-hot No. 2 Michigan Wolverines. The Nittany Lions are still searching for their first win in conference play as the team celebrates 30 years at the Bryce Jordan Center tonight.

How to Watch

Who: Michigan Wolverines
NET Ranking (PSU): 1 (132)
Kenpom Ranking (PSU): 1 (122)
When: Tuesday, January 6
Where: Bryce Jordan Center, State College, PA
Time: 7pm
TV: FS1
Radio: Penn State Sports Network
Line: Michigan -25.5 (ESPNBet)

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Opponent Preview

Michigan has taken a massive step forward in Dusty May’s second year. The Wolverines are off to a 13-0 start that includes wins over Gonzaga, Auburn, and Villanova.

Michigan’s +30.2 average scoring margin leads the NCAA. The Wolverines average a stunning 96.7 points per game and have reached triple digits five times already this season. Eight players on this roster average at least eight points per game. This roster is deep, talented, and well-coached.

Yaxel Lendeborg leads the way with 15.1 points and 7 rebounds per game. Center Aday Mara leads the team in rebounds (8.1) and blocks (2.5). As a team, Michigan leads the nation in effective field goal percentage on both offense and defense and is 9th in the NCAA in rebounding percentage. This is a Michigan team with no glaring weaknesses and many different ways to beat you.

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What to Watch For

• Turnovers- Michigan turns it over on 16.4% of their possessions, just 121st in the NCAA. If Penn State is going to have any chance of squeaking out an upset, they must get Michigan off their game by forcing turnovers.

• Defense- Penn State’s effective field goal % defense ranks 306th in the NCAA, an ugly stat to have when facing the No. 1 offense in the country.

• Tempo- Michigan averages 75.7 possessions per game, the third-highest in the NCAA. Penn State averages 68.4 possessions per game, No. 180 in the NCAA. The Nittany Lions will need to limit the Wolverines’ possessions as much as possible.

Prediction

Penn State always seems to pull at least one big upset at home during conference play, but I cannot even talk myself into a miracle upset tonight. This is one of the most dominant Michigan basketball teams I have ever seen, and the Nittany Lions do not have the defense to keep up with a Wolverines offense that can score from anywhere. This one could get out of hand very quickly.

Michigan 96, Penn State 64