Penn State Nittany Lions vs Campbell Fighting Camels Picks and Predictions December 2nd 2025

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Game Preview: Campbell Fighting Camels @ Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State returns to the Bryce Jordan Center on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, aiming to maintain its offensive resurgence when it hosts Campbell in a nonconference battle in University Park, PA. The Nittany Lions enter at 7-1, while Campbell arrives at 3-4 in what has been one of the tougher early-season schedules in the mid-major ranks. Fans can track both programs via the Campbell team page and the Penn State page.

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Oddsmakers list Penn State as a heavy home favorite, with the spread projected around the mid-teens depending on market movement. The total will reflect Penn State’s recent surge of 90+ point performances, as the Nittany Lions have averaged 93 points across their last two games.

Odds and Key Information

Penn State responded to its lowest scoring output of the season—65 points in a loss to Providence—by lighting up Boston University and Sacred Heart for 93 per game, regaining the pace and spacing that define Mike Rhoades’ attack. Their current form has pushed the market strongly in their direction.

Campbell arrives off a difficult 99-51 loss to Wake Forest, a game in which the Camels shot just 27.1 percent from the floor and 4-for-26 from three. First-year head coach John Andrzejek continues to push a challenging nonconference slate, but results have been uneven.

Check updated numbers anytime on the NCAAB odds board.

Campbell Fighting Camels Outlook

Campbell enters at 3-4, but context matters. Losses to Wisconsin (96-64) and Wake Forest (99-51) exposed defensive gaps and shooting inconsistency, while a competitive 73-65 loss to West Virginia showed the Camels can battle physically when shots fall. Their biggest issue has been sustained scoring against high-major size and defensive pressure.

DJ Smith remains the offensive catalyst at 19.6 points per game, capable of shot creation off the dribble and perimeter scoring. Dovydas Butka adds 14.9 points and 8.7 rebounds, providing interior presence and secondary scoring. Against Penn State’s switching-heavy pressure, the duo must carry a heavy load.

Campbell’s three-point shooting (28 percent over the last three games) has been volatile, and defensive breakdowns—allowing opponents to shoot over 54 percent in back-to-back losses—have compounded their challenges. To remain competitive Tuesday, Campbell must slow the pace, protect the paint and find efficiency in early offense.

Penn State Nittany Lions Outlook

Penn State’s bounce-back from the Providence loss has been emphatic. Their 90-59 win over Sacred Heart showcased the roster’s depth and spacing. Ivan Juric’s 14 points and nine rebounds paced the attack, while Kayden Mingo tied a program record with eight steals, illustrating Mike Rhoades’ emphasis on two-way pressure.

Penn State shot 54.2 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three on Saturday, marking their most complete offensive performance of the year. The Nittany Lions now average 83.4 points per game, supported by improved ball movement and higher-efficiency finishes.

The defensive intensity remains the anchor. Penn State forces turnovers at an elite rate and uses its quick backcourt to convert miscues into transition opportunities. The matchup against Campbell’s turnover-prone offense favors Penn State significantly.

With the Big Ten opener looming, Rhoades noted the importance of not “looking ahead,” reinforcing that consistency of effort—not opponent quality—is the main focus entering Tuesday’s matchup.

Key Matchup Table

Key FactorAdvantage
Turnover CreationPenn State
Offensive EfficiencyPenn State
Star ScoringCampbell
Bench ImpactPenn State
Rim ProtectionPenn State

Betting Trends

  • Penn State has scored 90+ in two straight games and has shot over 50 percent in both.
  • Campbell has allowed 96+ points in two of its last three matchups against high-major opponents.
  • Penn State is 6-1 straight up as a favorite this season.
  • Campbell is 1-3 ATS against Power Six opponents.

Comparable angles and projections for upcoming matchups are available on the college basketball picks page.

The Lean

Spread Pick: Penn State -X (market dependent)
Campbell’s offensive inconsistencies, combined with Penn State’s surging efficiency and defensive pressure, point toward a significant margin. Projection: Penn State 88, Campbell 64. The Nittany Lions’ physicality, depth, and turnover creation should dictate pace and shot quality.

Total Pick: Under
While Penn State is capable of high scoring, Campbell may struggle to contribute enough to push this game over most posted totals. Their shooting woes and slower pace against stronger opponents indicate a lower-scoring profile. Projected total: 152, slightly below typical market numbers.

For more previews and detailed projections, visit the NCAAB preview hub.

Why You Need Expert Picks

Nonconference mismatches often carry inflated spreads and difficult totals, where small inefficiencies—shooting variance, foul rates, bench rotations—can determine outcomes. The Handicappers Leaderboard on the college basketball picks page highlights analysts excelling at identifying sharp-side opportunities across mid-major games.

For deeper guidance, analytical edges and strategy breakdowns, explore additional insights from the expert betting guide.

Projected Final Score: Penn State 88, Campbell 64
Best Spread Pick: Penn State -X
Total Lean: Under