Penn State Ends Big Ten Drought With Last Second Win Over Minnesota

Penn State delivered a season defining breakthrough Sunday at the Bryce Jordan Center, closing on a decisive late run and a last second basket to defeat Minnesota 77 to 75 and snap an eight game losing streak in Big Ten play.

Freddie Dilione V powered the Nittany Lions with 25 points on 11 of 17 shooting, providing consistent offense in what marked Penn State’s first conference victory of the season. Kayden Mingo sealed the outcome with a driving layup in the final second, capping a finish that underscored both urgency and execution for a program searching for traction in league play.

Penn State built control midway through the second half with a 9 to 0 surge highlighted by a Mingo three pointer and consecutive baskets from Dilione, turning a tight contest into a 69 to 58 advantage with 6 minutes and 31 seconds remaining. Minnesota responded with an 8 to 0 run behind free throws from Cade Tyson, a pair from Langston Reynolds, and a tip in by Grayson Grove to close within one possession.

The final minute featured multiple lead changes. After Dilione and Reynolds exchanged baskets, Mingo converted a steal into a layup for a three point edge. Jaylen Crocker Johnson answered at the rim, and Reynolds split a pair at the line to tie the game at 75 with 31 seconds remaining. Penn State cleared the floor, and Mingo drove through traffic before finishing at the basket with one second left.

Josh Reed added 18 points for the Nittany Lions, including four three pointers in the first half, while Mingo finished with 14 points and Dominick Stewart contributed 12. Penn State took a 41 to 31 lead into halftime and never trailed after Minnesota’s opening basket, a notable shift for a team that had struggled to close games throughout conference play.

Minnesota extended its losing streak to seven despite balanced scoring. Reynolds led the Golden Gophers with 18 points and 7 assists, Tyson added 17, Bobby Durkin scored 16 on four three pointers, and Isaac Asuma finished with 12. Minnesota briefly regained momentum late but was unable to convert defensively on the final possession.

The win provides a critical reset point for Penn State as it heads into a demanding stretch of the Big Ten schedule, offering tangible progress after weeks of close losses. Minnesota continues to search for stability as conference play intensifies.

Penn State travels to face No. 7 Michigan State on Wednesday, while Minnesota heads to Baylor for a nonconference road matchup the same night.