It was a bit more nerve-wracking than you might have expected, but Penn State started the 2025-26 season — the third under coach Mike Rhoades — with a win.

The Nittany Lions defeated nonconference opponent Fairfield, 76-68, on Monday night at the Bryce Jordan Center.

After falling behind 15-2 to start the game, Penn State tied things at 37 at halftime. The Lions later trailed 68-65 with just over two minutes remaining and finished on an 11-0 run to secure the victory.

“We knew it’d be a hard game,” Rhoades said, complimenting Fairfield head coach Chris Casey. “To be honest with you, we have to play some hard games. Because when we get to the middle of December for two games, and we get to Jan. 1, they’re all going to be really hard games.”

Here’s what stood out from the win as Penn S

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