American International College got a late try from flyhalf Jihad Khabir to defeat Penn State 34-27 in an early-season clash between the two top college programs.

AIC took an early lead with a penalty kick from fullback Michele Magistrali, but Penn State scrumhalf Jimmy Ronan tied it up two minutes later.

AIC re-took the lead six minutes later when scrumhalf Kurtis Werner picked up at the base of a ruck and went over. The try came from some good work from the forwards and, with Magistrali’s conversion put AIC up 10-3.

Nine minutes later it was 15-3 when Khabir set up wing Deshae Edwards for a 65-meter scamper into the corner.

But late in the first half the Nittany Lions started to get their rhythm going. Lock Ryan McNulty burt through one an impressive individual effort, and then McNulty stole a lineout her the AIC tryline to take his second. Ronan kicked both conversions to put Penn State up 17-15 at halftime.

But early in the second half AIC re-took the lead, when center Jacob Ponder picked up a loose ball, sold a dummy, and went in to make it 20-17 AIC. Six minutes later, Adrian Ray came in support on a break by wing Christian Adams to score. Magistrali’s conversion made it 27-17 with 30 minutes to go.

Ronan kicked a penalty to put Penn State within a try, and then, with Werner in the sin bin, center Rob Irimescu went over for PSU and Ronan’s conversion tied the game 27-27.

And that’s how it stayed until, with about four minutes to go, Khabir set up a switch move, faked the pass, and ghosted in for the winning try. Magistrali converted to make it 34-27.

“We are still working our way into fitness,” said AIC Head Coach Josh Macy. “Chemistry was good through the squad. Penn state challenged us big-time in contact and are very confrontational.”

Marcus McIntyre and Justin Leaphart both enjoyed strong debuts in the forwards at second row and flanker, while upperclassman Corey Momsen we outstanding.

In the backs, Adams caused the PSU defense problems, and the AIC counter-attack was impressive.