Penn State men's basketball concludes its non-conference schedule with a game against North Carolina Central on Monday at 1 p.m. at Bryce Jordan Center, broadcast on Big Ten Network. The Nittany Lions, with an 8-4 record, aim to extend their 15-game non-conference home winning streak and improve to 9-2 in non-conference play. They are led by Freddie Dilione V, averaging 14.9 points, and Kayden Mingo, a standout freshman averaging 14.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Penn State ranks in the top 20 nationally in fewest turnovers and fouls per game. North Carolina Central (4-10), coached by LeVelle Moton, has lost four of its last five games and is 0-8 on the road. The Eagles are led by Gage Lattimore, averaging 19.2 points. The game marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, with Penn State favored by 23.5 points according to SportsLine's model, which predicts a total of 154 points, favoring an over bet. Following this game, Penn State will face ranked Illinois in Philadelphia on January 3, then compete against Michigan and Purdue in upcoming Big Ten matchups.