Monday night was Roko Prkacin’s coming-out party at the Bryce Jordan Center in Happy Valley. Penn State rolled over Canisius 97-57 to get to 1-0 behind 28 points from the 23-year-old Croatian former professional. Prkacin won his eligibility over the weekend and immediately proved why that was such a big deal for head coach Mike Rhoades and this team.
Now, Penn State is back at the BJC on Thursday night to host the Chattanooga Mocs, who are a considerably better mid-major opponent than Canisius was at No. 349 in KenPom. Following an 84-70 loss at No.11 Louisville on Monday night, Chattanooga from the Southern Conference is No. 253. That’s still well behind Penn State, now at No. 86, but representing slightly better preparation for Sunday when the Nittany Lions meet Pitt at The Palestra.
That matchup will be the first Power Conference opponent for Penn State this season and, depending on how the Battle 4 Atlantis plays out, potentially the only Power Conference opponent the Nittany Lions will face before Big Ten play begins.
Thursday night is the tune-up for that matchup, which could loom large if Penn State can play itself onto the bubble. But, of course, that would get tougher if Rhoades and his team can’t handle business against the Mocs first.
Louisville led the entire way on Monday night, but Chattanooga fought hard with a balanced offensive attack featuring four double-digit scorers: Zach Bleshoy, Yonatan Levy, Lenny Anigbata, and Christian Matos. The Mocs also, however, turned the ball over 18 times, which could be to Penn State's advantage with all the length that Rhoades likes to run out on the wings, as his starting lineup in Game 1 featured four players 6-foot-7 or taller.
How to watch Chattanooga vs. Penn State in Week 9
- Date: Thursday, November 6
- Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Bryce Jordan Center
- How to Watch (TV): Big Ten Network
- Streaming: FuboTV
- Chattanooga record: 0-1 (0-0)
- Penn State record: 1-0 (0-0)
Chattanooga vs. Penn State odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Chattanooga +1000
- Penn State -2100
Spread
- Chattanooga +15.5 (-110)
- Penn State -15.5 (-110)
Total
- 156.5 (over -115/under -105)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Penn State injury report
- N/A
Chattanooga injury report
- N/A
Penn State and Chattanooga series history
- All-time meetings: 2
- PSU all-time record vs. Chattanooga: 2-0
- Last meeting: 12/03/1196 - 73-63 Penn State W
- First meeting: 12/17/1995 - 81-48 Penn State W
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