Penn State coach Mike Rhoades’ squad will get an opportunity to rejuvenate its fan base Thursday night when it returns to Rec Hall against Ohio State. But in reality, a repetitive lack of late-game execution is starting to put any of the Nittany Lions’ NCAA Tournament hopes to rest.

The Nittany Lions return to their longtime home Thursday against Ohio State. Last time they played in Rec Hall, fans stormed the court for a massive ranked win.

The Nittany Lions have taken several of the conference's top teams down to the wire, but they're often on the wrong side of the final score.

Penn State was even with Michigan at halftime and took an early lead with a Freddie Dillone V three-pointer early in the second half. But Michigan went on a run to take a 47-40 lead. The Wolverines stayed ahead of the Nittany Lions until Nick Kern Jr. and Ace Baldwin Jr. led a rally to bring Penn State close.

Ohio State will play at Penn State, but not at the Bryce Jordan Center. Here's what Rec Hall is and why the Buckeyes will be there Thursday.

Maybe a return to Rec Hall is exactly what the doctor prescribed for Penn State men’s basketball. The Nittany Lions have been struggling lately, dropping six of their last seven games. Last year’s Rec Hall matchup against No.