University Park, Pa. – In front of a lively home crowd on Monday night, the Penn State men’s basketball team opened its 2026-27 season with a commanding 97-57 win over the Canisius Golden Griffins. The victory highlighted the talent of senior guard Roko Prkacin, who poured in 28 points on efficient shooting, and junior forward Ivan Juric, who recorded a double‑double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Key performances
Prkacin was virtually unstoppable, converting 12 of his 14 field‑goal attempts and sinking four of five free throws. His scoring burst in the second half, outpacing the Griffins 12‑2 over a three‑minute stretch that pushed the Nittany Lions’ lead to 66‑35. Juric anchored the interior, pulling down eight rebounds in the first half and finishing with a total of 15, providing the physical presence that helped Penn State control the paint.
Supporting the stars, junior guard Josh Reed added 12 points, while the team as a whole shot an impressive 55 percent from the field and made 21 of 29 free throws (72%). The balanced attack demonstrated the depth of the roster and gave fans confidence heading into the conference schedule.
Game flow
Penn State established an early rhythm, leading by as many as 22 points in the first half. The Nittany Lions entered the break with a 47‑26 advantage, a margin that set the tone for the remainder of the contest. After the halftime intermission, the team continued to press, extending the lead to 96‑54 in the final minute before sealing the win.
Canisius struggled to find offensive footing, with senior guard Clinton Efinda leading the Golden Griffins with 13 points and sophomore forward Preist Ryan contributing 12. The Griffins’ roster is largely composed of transfers and freshmen, with only one returning player, Trevor Augustine, who did not score in the game.
Looking ahead
The Nittany Lions will travel to Chattanooga on Thursday for their next matchup, while Canisius heads to St. Bonaventure on Saturday. Penn State’s dominant performance provides a strong foundation for the season and gives local families and alumni a reason to rally behind the team.
Fans praised the energetic atmosphere at the Bryce Jordan Center, noting that the supportive crowd of students, parents, and alumni helped create a family‑friendly environment that reflects the community’s pride in its university’s athletic programs.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
