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Penn State experienced ups and downs in its first season under coach Mike Rhoades.

But the team is optimistic as Year 2 begins with the season opener against visiting Binghamton on Monday in University Park, Pa.

The Nittany Lions were 16-17 last season, but expectations will never be low as long as standout guard Ace Baldwin Jr. is on the roster. The dynamic senior averaged 14.2 points and 6.0 assists last season while ranking second on the team with 48 3-pointers.

He should have plenty of dangerous long-distance to share in the fun this time around.

Not only does Penn State also return Zach Hicks (67 3-pointers) and D’Marco Dunn (30), but Rhoades also brought in skilled transfers such as Freddie Dilione V (Tennessee) and a solid crop of freshmen, including center Miles Goodman (4-star recruit), who should open up space for the marksmen.

“We don’t have much tradition of Penn State basketball of sustained success,” Rhoades said. “We’ve (only) had pockets of success before I took the job. … It would be great if we could start right now and start building sustainable success, but nothing’s guaranteed.”

Rhoades’ goal is to reach the Big Dance. Penn State is unaccustomed to that invite with only one NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011.

“Let’s get to the NCAA Tournament,” Rhoades said. “Let’s beat teams in the Big Ten, and let’s check it to the NCAA Tournament.”

Binghamton is coming off a 15-15 season and was picked to finish sixth in the America East preseason coaches’ poll. The Bearcats have increased their win total in three straight seasons under coach Levell Sanders and return a pair of starters from last season’s squad.

Tymu Chenery is back after averaging a team-high 14.9 points to go along with 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks a season ago. Now, though, Sanders needs Chenery to be the leader of the team.

“It’s a new role for him. He’s stepping into that role,” said Sanders, who acknowledged there has been an adjustment period. “As the season goes on, he’ll get better and better at it.”

–Field Level Media