Preview: Pittsburgh Panthers at Penn State Nittany Lions HERSHEY, Pa. (Interstat) — Intrastate foes Pittsburgh and Penn State will meet on a neutral court Sunday, with the Nittany Lions looking to continue a strong start and the Panthers aiming to find consistency. The game will tip off at 6 p.m. EST at Hersheypark Arena. Penn State (8-3) enters with the better record and momentum from a competitive 76-72 loss to then-Michigan State on Dec. 13. The Nittany Lions’ offense has been potent, averaging 81.5 points per game. Guard Freddie Dilione V has been a key catalyst, coming off a 23-point performance against the Spartans. He has scored in double figures in six straight games. Pittsburgh (6-6) is coming off a dominant 103-63 win over Binghamton on Wednesday but has struggled against high-major competition, losing its other three games in December. The Panthers rely heavily on guard Barry Dunning, who is averaging 18.0 points over his last six contests. He scored 23 points in just 23 minutes against Binghamton. Penn State’s schedule shows a mixed bag, with a 41-point road loss to Indiana on Dec. 9 but solid wins over Campbell and Harvard. Pittsburgh’s resume includes a narrow home win over Ohio State but double-digit losses to Villanova, West Virginia and Texas A&M. This matchup pits Penn State’s high-scoring attack against a Pittsburgh defense that has been vulnerable, allowing 77.3 points per game in its six losses. The Panthers will need another high-output game from Dunning and support from guards Nojus Indrusaitis and Brandin Cummings, who combined for 33 points against Binghamton. For Penn State, containing Dunning will be a priority, while Dilione and backcourt mate Kayden Mingo, who had eight assists against Michigan State, will look to control the tempo. The game is a final non-conference tune-up before both teams dive into league play. Pittsburgh begins Atlantic Coast Conference action at Miami on Dec. 30. Penn State opens its Big Ten slate at home against Illinois on Jan. 3. Sunday’s contest marks a renewal of a regional rivalry, offering Pittsburgh a chance for a signature win and Penn State an opportunity to solidify its promising start before the grueling conference season.