Washington Faces Penn State in Critical Big Ten Showdown

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Washington Huskies are set to clash with the struggling Penn State Nittany Lions in a must-win Big Ten matchup on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. PT. Both teams are in a tight race for postseason qualification, with Penn State currently trending down after a strong start to the season.

Washington (13-12, 3-11 B1G) comes into the game looking to break a cycle of inconsistency that has marred their conference performance. The Huskies are currently ranked 17th in the Big Ten, clinging to hopes of making the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Penn State sits even lower at 18th, having lost 10 of its last 11 games, and is desperate for a victory to reverse its fortunes.

The Nittany Lions, who began the season with a 12-2 record, have since experienced a drastic decline. Their only win in the past month was a narrow victory over Rutgers. A critical turning point occurred during their early season stretch, which included a notable home win against Purdue. However, that victory has been overshadowed by a series of disappointing performances, including losses to teams ranked lower in the standings.

Penn State’s roster features key players such as senior guard Ace Baldwin, who averaged 13.8 points and 7.2 assists per game, and junior center Yanic Niederhauser, who has emerged as a standout with 12.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Baldwin, who transferred from VCU along with coach Mike Rhodes, has been a vital part of the team though his turnovers have increased this season.

“We know we need to turn things around quickly,” Baldwin said in a recent interview. “Every game is important for us now, and we have to take every opportunity seriously.”

On the other side, the Huskies are led by senior forward Great Osobor, who averages 15.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Washington aims to build on its recent 76-71 victory over Northwestern, a win that snapped a four-game home losing streak.

“It’s crucial for us to harness the momentum from our last game,” Osobor noted. “We need to establish ourselves early and control the pace.”

Both teams struggle defensively, ranking 15th and 16th respectively in defensive efficiency in the conference. Washington’s defense has allowed opponents to score 73.5 points per game, while Penn State has recorded a slightly better mark but still falls short compared to other programs.

The betting line for the game is set with Washington as 6-point underdogs. Despite the teams’ records, analysts suggest it could be a close game given the context of both squads fighting for postseason relevance. The game can be streamed via FoxSportsGo.com and is also available on Sports Radio KJR.

A loss for either team could severely hinder their chances of making the conference tournament, a race that’s becoming increasingly tight as the season progresses. Fans at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park will be anticipating a battle as players aim to prove their worth in the final stretch of the regular season.