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Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Jones: Clemson ends Lions' streak at 3

Clemson ends Lions' streak at 3:

"The idea of Penn State's early schedule of 1-oz. jars was this: Fill the infant Nittany Lions full of strained peas and apple pablum and maybe they could exit the high chair by January.

"Well, January's still a month away.

"Though they brought a 3-0 record made of wins over Cornell, Nicholls State and Long Island into last night's tussle at the Jordan Center, the Lions spit up their first encounter with solid food -- Atlantic Coast Conference bottom-feeder Clemson. ..."

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Collegian: Lions fall short against Tigers

Lions fall short against Tigers:

"Of the two teams playing last night at the Bryce Jordan Center, only one was wearing orange uniforms. But it was the team in home whites that got squeezed in the end.

"The Penn State men's basketball team lost to Clemson, 96-88, falling short of completing a late-game comeback that would have surmounted a Tigers lead that reached as many as 26 points.

" 'This was a very tough-fought game, and we knew that coming in,' sophomore guard Geary Claxton said. 'We just fell short [last night].' ..."

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CDT: Tigers' defense bottles up Nittany Lions

Centre Daily Times | 11/30/2005 | Tigers' defense bottles up Nittany Lions:

"UNIVERSITY PARK -- Good defense -- the five-man, trapping, every-possession variety -- has a way of disrupting everything you're doing or would like to do.

"You get out of your sets. You fire passes hard with one hand, try to get shots off instead of shooting them at the basket. Your intensity is there, but the execution is just a sliver off.

"And it gets to you. Frustration seeps in. The hard passes become soft and sloppy. Next thing you know, a five-point deficit has become 15, then 20.

"That was Tuesday night for Penn State, which found it could do little against a hungry Clemson defense during a 96-88 loss to the Tigers in the Bryce Jordan Center in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. ..."

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Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Collegian: Lions face early test against Clemson

Lions face early test against Clemson:

"The measuring stick is making another appearance for the Penn State men's basketball team tonight.

"The 3-0 Nittany Lions host Clemson at 8 p.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge and should once again find out what kind of team they are.

"Clemson is 4-0 this season with a 28.3-point average margin of victory.

"The Tigers specialize in full-court pressure defense, forcing opponents into an average of 24 turnovers a game while collecting 16 steals per contest.

"In a way, the kind of team that Clemson is now is what Penn State men's basketball coach Ed DeChellis hopes his Lions can be in the not-too-distant future. Penn State presently averages 6.7 steals per game.

" 'It's gonna be 40 minutes of pressure,' DeChellis said. ..."

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CDT: Nittany Lions face first major challenge

Centre Daily Times | 11/29/2005 | Nittany Lions face first major challenge:

"Now that the turkeys -- those served with cranberry sauce and those on the schedule -- have been digested, the time has come for the Penn State men's basketball team to prove its mettle against an opponent that is, to this point, at least its equal.

" 'We're playing a whole different level (tonight) than we've played,' said Nittany Lions coach Ed DeChellis.

"Penn State, 3-0 for the first time since 1999, will host 4-0 Clemson at 8 p.m. tonight in the Bryce Jordan Center as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Athletic, balanced and deep, the Tigers will almost assuredly give the Nittany Lions more to handle than any of Penn State's three previous opponents.

" 'It's an opportunity to play a high-level team from a high-level conference and kind of find out where we're at,' DeChellis said. 'If it's a good outcome, then it doesn't mean a whole lot, and if it's not a good outcome, then we know what we need to work on.' ..."

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Monday, November 28, 2005

Collegian: Confidence growing with early victories

Confidence growing with early victories:

"Entering this week with three wins and zero losses for the first time since 1999-2000, the Penn State men's basketball team could ask itself one question.

"Do I feel lucky?

"In wins of 80-64 vs. Long Island University (0-2) on Saturday and 93-56 vs. Nicholls State (1-3) Wednesday, the Nittany Lions have developed an attitude that suggests exactly the opposite.

" 'It's building up our confidence, especially for the young guys coming in,' senior forward Travis Parker said. 'And then the old guys, since we haven't been wining in a while since last year, it builds up our confidence, too.' ..."

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CDT's Jeff Rice: Early signs positive for Nittany Lions

Centre Daily Times | 11/28/2005 | Early signs positive for Nittany Lions:

"Watch the sideline this season, and you'll see the difference.

"Ed DeChellis spent most of his first two years at Penn State squatting in front of his bench, any pain in his knees masked by the pain that came from watching his young Nittany Lions struggle. DeChellis rarely left that position, grabbing his head with his hands after a turnover or a bad shot or occasionally turning to consult his assistant coaches.

"These days, the coach is on his feet. Pacing the sidelines, directing his players into position, working the officials. The Nittany Lions are still young, and they still give DeChellis plenty of reasons to grab his head.

"But so far, there have been more reasons for him to applaud. ..."

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Sunday, November 27, 2005

Centre Daily Times: Claxton propels Penn State to victory

Centre Daily Times | 11/27/2005 | Claxton propels Penn State to victory:

"UNIVERSITY PARK -- Geary Claxton didn't have a lot of nights like this a year ago.

"On his way to leading the Nittany Lions in scoring and earning all-conference freshman honors last season, Penn State's spring-loaded small forward played within himself, rarely rushing shots or showing any signs of frustration.

"This year, Claxton is a much greater focus in opponents' game plans, which means there will be nights like Saturday, when the sophomore forward missed eight of his first 10 shots against Long Island.

"That doesn't mean those nights have to stay that way.

"'I was struggling with my shooting a little bit. I try to take my time on everything, but it just wasn't falling,' Claxton said. 'My teammates kept me up, told me, 'Keep shooting the ball.' That's what I did.

"'In the second half, they started going in more.'

"Indeed. Claxton went 5-of-8 in the second half, scoring 12 of his career-high 21 points as Penn State improved to 3-0 for the first time in six years with an 80-64 defeat of the Blackbirds (0-2) in the Bryce Jordan Center. ..."

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Tribune-Review: PSU men remain undefeated

Roundup: PSU men remain undefeated - PittsburghLIVE.com:

"Sophomore forward Geary Claxton scored a career-high 21 points in Penn State's 80-64 victory over Long Island (1-3) Saturday at the Bryce Jordan Center. Claxton, a member of the 2005 Big Ten All-Freshman team, struggled in the first half, shooting 4 for 13, but rebounded in the second half by connecting on 5-of-8 attempts and scoring 12 points.

" 'He played strong and played hard,' coach Ed DeChellis said. 'He's getting banged in there and getting wacked around, and he just needs to fight through that. I thought he did that. He played strong and hard, especially taking the ball to the basket and offensive rebounding the ball and sticking it back.' ..."

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AP: Penn St. 80, Long Island 64

AP Wire | 11/26/2005 | Penn St. 80, Long Island 64:

"STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Geary Claxton scored 21 points, including 11 during a 21-8 second-half run, to lead Penn State to an 80-64 win over Long Island on Saturday.

"Travis Parker added 18 points, including 11 in the second half, as the Nittany Lions (3-0) used a big advantage in the paint to put away the Blackbirds (0-2). ..."

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Sports Info: Penn State Basketball Improves to 3-0 with 80-64 Win Over Long Island

Penn State hosts Clemson in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., NOV. 26, 2005 --- As Penn State Coach Ed DeChellis said following the Nittany Lions 80-64 win over Long Island Saturday, his Nittany Lion team is in uncharted waters. Penn State improved to 3-0 for the first time since the 1999-2000 season and found themselves protecting a double-digit lead as time wound down for the second straight game. Sophomore forward Geary Claxton tallied a career-high 21 points and senior forward Travis Parker posted his third career double-double to lead Penn State in the Bryce Jordan Center.

A member of the 2005 Big Ten All-Freshman Team, Claxton struggled from the field in the first half (shooting 4-of-13) but stayed determined against a physical Long Island defense and rebounded with a 5-of-8 effort and 12 points to lead a second half surge from the Nittany Lions.

"He played strong and played hard," DeChellis said. "He's getting banged in there and getting wacked around, and he just needs to fight through that. I thought he did that. He played strong and hard, especially taking the ball to the basket and offensive rebounding the ball and sticking it back."

The Nittany Lions built a 13-point lead in the first half but led just 38-32 at halftime as LIU hit four of its nine three pointers in the final seven minutes of the half. After the break Penn State shot 65.4 percent (17 of 26) from the floor to build a double-digit lead they would hold much of the final 15 minutes and extend to 19 at one point.

Holding a nine-point lead at the 6:15 mark of the second half, Penn State blew the game open with a 9-0 run to extend to a 74-56 lead with just over four minutes remaining. Claxton had four points and freshman Jamelle Cornley five of his 11 on the game (5-of-6 from the field) in the run. Claxton, Cornley and Parker all did strong work in the lane as the Nittany Lions tallied 50 points in the paint for the game. The three, all standing 6-6 and under, spent much of the second half on the floor together and combined for 30 second half points.

"We've got some stuff that we are going to try to run that the small line-up can be very useful for us," DeChellis said. "I think Jamelle Cornley is a big strong, tough guy and we've got to get him minutes. Sometimes I think we can play the smaller guys together and do some different things defensively and offensively."

Penn State, which entered the game leading the Big Ten in assist to turnover ratio, tallied 23 assists against 13 turnovers, surpassing 20 assists for the second straight game, and shot a season-best 56.9 percent from the field. Junior guard Ben Luber had a team-high eight assists, six points, and three rebounds.

Parker posted a season-high 18 points, equaling the second-highest total of his career, and a career-high tying 11 rebounds. Parker became the third Nittany Lion to post a double-double in the first three games.

"Travis played the way Travis can play," DeChellis said. "He's had a bad back. He's finally felt pretty good the last couple of days. He was scoring inside and demanding the ball in the post. He did a good job of rebounding the ball with 11 rebounds. He played the way he needs to play for us in the Big Ten, which is strong, tough and pretty good defense."

Claxton's 21 points are the most by a Nittany Lion this year and surpassed his previous career-high of 20 posted against Michigan State and Ohio State last season.

The Nittany Lions hit the 80-point mark in consecutive games for the first time since beating Rutgers (83-80) and Lock Haven (94-46) on Dec. 1 & 3, 2004. The last time Penn State scored 80 or more points in consecutive games against a pair of Division I opponents was in 2000-01 (Lost to Ohio State, 93-87, and beat Michigan State, 82-80, in Big Ten Tournament).

Penn State hosts Clemson Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. The game will air nationally on ESPNU, the Penn State Sports Network and GoPSUsports.com, the official website of Penn State Athletics.

Season and single game tickets for all Penn State home games are available by calling the Penn State Athletic Ticket Office at 814-863-1000 or 800-833-5533. For groups of 10 or more, ticket discounts and preferred seating options are available by calling 814-863-6757.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Centre Daily Times: Penn State men's basketball team aims to stay unbeaten

Centre Daily Times | 11/26/2005 | Penn State men's basketball team aims to stay unbeaten:

"They're sharing the basketball, getting scoring from a wide variety of sources, flying up and down the floor and -- here's the kicker -- putting some early wins away.

"They haven't been playing world-beaters while doing it, but the Penn State Nittany Lions have shown off their newfound athleticism and versatility through their first two games, both home wins, and will try to keep it going at 3:30 p.m. today, when they host Long Island in the Bryce Jordan Center.

"Penn State is trying for its first 3-0 start in six years. The Blackbirds (0-1) are seeking vengeance for an 80-56 loss to Penn State last year, when former Nittany Lion guard Marlon Smith went off for a career-high 33 points.

"Long Island returned every starter from a team that won five of its final seven games last season, but shot 32 percent from the field in its season-opening loss to Columbia.

" 'They're a team that presents different things for us,' said Penn State coach Ed DeChellis. 'They're an experienced team, and one that's gonna play us pretty physical.' ..."

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Thursday, November 24, 2005

Scout.com: Hoop Team Bags Nicholls State

Scout.com: Hoop Team Bags Nicholls State:

"Guns N Roses' “Welcome to the Jungle” blared over the Jordan Center sound system before Penn State's Wednesday evening game against Nicholls State, reverberating at painful decibel levels in the near-empty arena.

"But the rock anthem didn't quite capture the spirit of the night. “Welcome to the Forest” would have been more like it. Because like the central Pennsylvania woods that surround it, the BJC was relatively desolate and quiet as could be.

"And this is, after all, the Nittany Lions' version of turkey season, with the now 0-3 Colonels filling the role of second course among the three home gobblers to open the campaign.

"Nicholls, looking every bit as lost in these parts as you'd expect of an overmatched outfit from the swamps of Thibodaux, La., was a gracious guest, putting up the obligatory early scrap before being overwhelmed by the rebuilding Nittany Lions, 93-56.

"Penn State, which received eight or more points from seven players as third-year coach Ed DeChellis substituted early and often, improved to 2-0 on the season for the first time since 2000-01. Of the four Lions who reached doubles, three were reserves (led by freshman forward Jamelle Cornley's 17). Every healthy player on the roster scored.

"Which is the idea behind a toned-down nonconference schedule that continues here Saturday with a visit from Long Island ..."

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Centre Daily Times: Everyone gets in act as Penn State drops Nicholls State

Centre Daily Times | 11/24/2005 | Everyone gets in act as Penn State drops Nicholls State:

"UNIVERSITY PARK -- In their first game, the Nittany Lion reserves showed Penn State coach Ed DeChellis they could play.

"In their second, they made sure their starters were aware of it too.

"Penn State, which received 24 points from its bench Saturday in a 66-54 defeat of Cornell, got 30 points from its reserves Wednesday.

"In the first half.

"The Nittany Lions (2-0) had little trouble scoring and even less finding people to do it during a 93-56 win over Nicholls State in the Bryce Jordan Center.

"Freshman forward Jamelle Cornley, a beast on the low block, scored a game-high 17 points, classmate Milos Bogetic added 12 points and 13 rebounds and junior walk-on Cilk McSweeney scored 10 points in his season debut. Thirteen Nittany Lions saw the floor, and each scored at least one point.

"'That just shows we can go nine, 10 deep if we have to,' said starting two guard David Jackson. ..."

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Sports Info: Men's Basketball Improves to 2-0 with 37-point Win Over Nicholls State

Press Release - 2:

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA, NOV. 23, 2005 --- Penn State shot 58 percent in the first half to open a 51-27 halftime lead and cruised to a 93-56 win over Nicholls State tonight in the Bryce Jordan Center. All 13 players who saw action scored for the Nittany Lions, who improved to 2-0 for the first time under Coach Ed DeChellis.

"I think it is important to develop confidence," DeChellis said. "That's why we've played a couple of things at home and tried to get us going and guys to have a good feeling. It's easier to come to practice tomorrow. But, we're not fools gold either. We've got a lot of work to do and we've got to play a lot better. But, I think its been a good start for us and hopefully guys are gaining some confidence."

Freshmen led the way as forward Jamelle Cornley tallied a game-high 17 points, hitting 8-of-10 shots from the floor, and forward Milos Bogetic posted his first career double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Junior guard David Jackson scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, and had a game-high eight assists, while junior forward Cilk McSweeney added 10 points for the Lions, who reached their second-highest point total under DeChellis.

Penn State got its bench involved in the game early and often as the Nittany Lion non-starters logged 53 points and played 77 minutes in the game. The Nittany Lions 51-point first half marked Penn State's first 50-point half under DeChellis as Penn State forced the Colonels into 27 turnovers on the night and netted 38 points off those turnovers. The Nittany Lions pushed the lead to as many as 42 in the second half as they held the Colonels to 36 percent shooting from the field.

"We all talked about our roles on the team and we all agreed who should start and who should come off the bench, so we don't have any problems with that," said Bogetic who has tallied 21 boards in Penn State's first two games. "I agreed with Coach to start on the bench and I'm fine with that. I'm just trying to help the team as a much as I can.

We all agreed who should do some things on the team and they told me I'm supposed to play defense and rebound the ball and do what I can on offense. So, I've committed to rebounding and playing defense."

Frontcourt starters Geary Claxton, Travis Parker and Brandon Hassell each played 20 minutes or less while starting guards Ben Luber (9 points, 7 assists) and David Jackson combined for a strong floor game in the backcourt combining to post 15 assists against just two turnovers in over 30 minutes of action each. The Nittany Lions posted 29 assists against 13 turnovers on the night.

"I think for us 29 assists is very, very important," DeChellis said. "I thought we shared the ball well. I think are two guys in the backcourt, Ben (Luber) and David Jackson, had 15 assists together and only two turnovers so that was a very good night."

The Nittany Lions host Long Island on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and Clemson on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge.

Season and single game tickets for all Penn State home games are available by calling the Penn State Athletic Ticket Office at 814-863-1000 or 800-833-5533. For groups of 10 or more, ticket discounts and preferred seating options are available by calling 814-863-6757.

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Sports Info: Nicholls State Quotes

Press Release - 2:

Penn State vs. Nicholls State
Post-Game Quotes

Head Coach Ed DeChellis
On the Game
"I think for us 29 assists is very, very important. I thought we shared the ball well. I think our two guys in the backcourt, Ben (Luber) and David Jackson, had 15 assists together and only two turnovers so that was a very good night."

"I think it is important to develop confidence. That's why we've played a couple of things at home and tried to get us going and guys to have a good feeling. It's easier to come to practice tomorrow. But, we're not fools gold either. We've got a lot of work to do and we've got to play a lot better. But, I think its been a good start for us and hopefully guys are gaining some confidence."

On Freshman Jamelle Cornley
"He runs the floor. He's a strong kid. He posts up hard and he wants the ball in the there. I think Jamelle is doing a pretty good job of figuring out where he can be effective, and that's transition offense, running and posting up. I think he and Milos played well together and complimented each other pretty well tonight."

"Jamelle didn't really practice yesterday at all because he had a bad calf thing. So, I'm very excited about what he did with limited practice time."

What's it like to have a bench
'It's very, very important. I just hope those young kids just keep doing what they're doing and keep playing with confidence because we're going to need guys."

On Penn State's next opponent Long Island
"They are very athletic. They have all five starters back from last year, plus a guy that was hurt. They got beat at home by Columbia last night, which they played like we played the first half of our game with Cornell, very tight. They've got good players. They finished strong last year. They've got some good strong post kids. I think it will be a good test for us, maybe the best of the three we played so far."

Milos Bogetic, Freshman Forward
On the Bench play
"We all talked about our roles on the team and we all agreed who should start and who should come off the bench, so we don't have any problems with that. I agreed with Coach to start on the bench and I'm fine with that. I'm just trying to help the team as a much as I can."

On his rebounding
"That is something me and the coaches have worked very hard on the past weeks. We all agreed who should do some things on the team and they told me I'm supposed to play defense and rebound the ball and do what I can on offense. So, I've committed to rebounding and playing defense."

David Jackson, Junior Guard
On the game
"We wanted to come out more aggressive and be patient on offense. Against Cornell we were rushing and trying to push the tempo a little to much. We felt in this game we could push the tempo and be under control, so it flowed a little better."

On the bench play
"That just shows me we can go nine or 10 deep if we have to. Everybody is working hard in practice and when it comes to game time are able to step in no problem."

What are you doing for the Holiday
"We're having Thanksgiving dinner at Coach DeChellis's house."

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Sports Info: Nicholls State Post-Game Notes

Press Release - 2:

"Penn State-Nicholls State Post-Game Notes

- Penn State is off to its first 2-0 start under Ed DeChellis. The Nittany Lions' last 2-0 start was in the 2000-01 season.

- The Nittany Lions' 93 points are their second-highest output under Ed DeChellis, topped only by 94 against Lock Haven on Dec. 3, 2004.

- Penn State topped 50 points in the first half (51) for the first time under Ed DeChellis. The last time was 52 points against St. Francis on Dec. 28, 2002.

- All 13 Nittany Lions that saw action scored in the game.

- Freshman Milos Bogetic posted his first career double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. His 13 boards tie Geary Claxton (vs. Cornell) for the most by a Nittany Lion this season.

- Freshman Jamelle Cornley tallied a season-high 17 points on 8 of 10 shooting. The 17 points tie Ben Luber (Cornell) for most by a Nittany Lion this season.

- The Nittany Lions host Long Island on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and Clemson on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge."

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Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Collegian: Non-conference games highlight week

Non-conference games highlight week:

"Penn State's performance on Saturday was a lot like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde -- polar opposites acting out at different times.

"And which one shows up this week is anybody's guess.

" 'Early I thought we were very impatient,' Penn State men's basketball coach Ed DeChellis said. 'But I thought the last 10, 12 minutes we played the way we should play -- trying to push it a little bit more.'

"The Nittany Lions managed only 29 points during the first 28 minutes of the game -- but exploded for 37 points during the final 12. Penn State will look to continue that high-scoring trend when it takes on Nicholls State at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and Long Island at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the Bryce Jordan Center. ... "

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Sunday, November 20, 2005

Centre Daily Times: Extra effort

Centre Daily Times | 11/20/2005 | Extra effort:

"UNIVERSITY PARK -- The old sports adage that you can't tell the players without a game program has new meaning for the Penn State men's basketball team.

"Nittany Lion players, for the first time in years, are not wearing their names on the back of their jerseys. Coach Ed DeChellis said he is more concerned with the name on the front.

"On Saturday afternoon, before a Bryce Jordan Center crowd of 7,456, Cornell found out what that name means as the Nittany Lions used a 30-8 run late in the second half to win their season-opener 66-54.

"And most encouraging for Penn State was that the run came generally without the services of standout sophomore Geary Claxton, who was on the bench with four fouls.

" 'I think we made somewhat of a statement when we went on that run,' DeChellis said. 'Geary and Travis (Parker) are our two best players, and we are looking for our role players to step up more -- and I definitely made a statement by doing that.' ..."

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Post-Gazette (AP): PSU Basketball Notebook: Lions outlast Cornell

PSU Basketball Notebook: Lions outlast Cornell:

"By The Associated Press

"Mike Walker dribbled into the right corner and launched a long 3-pointer with a man in his face.

"The ball swished through the basket as Walker fell to the floor and the referee whistled Cornell for a foul, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers.

"It was the kind of shot that might have bounced off the rim in a cold-shooting first half for Penn State, but they fell after halftime in the Nittany Lions' 66-54 win against the Big Red yesterday.

" 'We needed a little bit of offense. We were kind of struggling,' said Walker, a reserve guard. 'A couple of assistant coaches told me, 'Don't think about your shots, just put it up.' ' ..."

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Saturday, November 19, 2005

Sports Info: Luber Scores 17 To Lead Penn State Basketball To 66-54 Win

Claxton equals career-high with 13 rebounds,
nets double-double with 13 points

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA, NOV. 19, 2005 --- For 30 minutes of action Saturday the Penn State basketball team struggled to get anything to go in the basket and found itself trailing Cornell 44-39 with 10:21 left in the game and its best player, sophomore Geary Claxton, going to the bench with his fourth foul. The Nittany Lions responded by hitting 9-of-16 down the stretch, including a pair of big threes from sophomore Mike Walker off the bench, and scored 22 points in the final 10 minutes to grab a 66-54 victory over the Big Red in Penn State's season opener in the Bryce Jordan Center.

Junior guard Ben Luber paced Penn State on the night as he equaled a career-high with 17 points and added six assists and three steals in 37 minutes of action. The Nittany Lions improved to 80-30 all-time in season openers and evened the all-time series with Cornell 5-5.

The Nittany Lions dominated on the boards posting a 49-33 advantage over the Big Red, who they had not played since 1972. Claxton led the way on the boards equaling a career-high with 13 rebounds, logging 10 by halftime, and posted his third career double-double with 13 points. Freshman Jamelle Cornley nearly joined Claxton in posting a double-double as the two-time Ohio State Player of the Year put up 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Cornley logged 28 minutes of action in his first collegiate game. Cornley's 12 points were part of 24 for Penn State off the bench.

"Offensively I really think we rebounded the ball well," Penn State Head Coach Ed DeChellis said. "Obviously, Geary did a great job rebounding the ball. I thought our bench play was the most important thing of the day. When you got Cornley coming in off the bench and getting nine rebounds and 12 points, and you know Milos (Bogetic) didn't score a lot but he got four offensive rebounds and eight all together and played pretty good defense. So, that was important.

"Mike Walker coming off the bench gave us a lift and that's something we haven't had in the past couple of years. The rebounding was obviously very critical for us, but we need to convert."

Both teams struggled to make shots in the first half as Cornell started 0-of-8 from the field and Penn State hit just three of its first 15 field goal attempts. Offensive rebounding kept the Nittany Lions close as Penn State posted 22 offensive boards and 19 second chance points on the game and trailed Cornell 29-27 at the half.

Cornell increased its lead to eight mid-way through the second half before Penn State began to heat up. Walker hit all three of his three-pointers on the game in the second half on his way to 11 points. The first came at the 11:36 mark and cut a 39-31 Cornell lead to 39-34. The Big Red pushed the lead back to eight again before Penn State went on an 18-4 run to take a 52-46 lead at the 7:02 mark. Walker got two more threes to go during the run, including one from the corner on which he was fouled that swung the momentum squarely into Penn State's court.

"We got a run going and that picked up our confidence," Walker said. "We have a lot of young players, even myself and my class and even the freshmen class. We needed the run to bring the confidence up. We got a bunch of good stops and went from there."

Cornell cut the lead to eight at the 5:00 mark, but Luber responded with a three of his own and Penn State held a double-digit lead the rest of the way.

Penn State held Cornell to 35 percent shooting for the game and just 17 percent from the three-point line. Senior Lenny Collins and freshman Adam Gore both scored 14 points for the Big Red.

Penn State returns to the Bryce Jordan Center next Wednesday, Nov. 23 as they take on Nicholls State at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 18, 2005

The Cornell Daily Sun: M. Hoops to Take On Nittany Lions

The Cornell Daily Sun - M. Hoops to Take On Nittany Lions:

"For the second time in as many weeks, the men’s basketball team will face an opponent from a major conference, but after falling, 67-62, to No. 16 Syracuse (2-0) on Nov. 9, the Red (1-1) will be looking for a different result when it takes on Penn State (0-0) tomorrow in University Park, Penn.

"Cornell led Syracuse, 55-52, with 6:01 remaining on the clock in the Carrier Dome before late turnovers and defensive missteps allowed the Orange back into the game. Tomorrow, the Red will challenge another team on its home court, but hopes to put the lessons learned against Syracuse to achieve a different result.

" “What I hope to do is use that as a learning experience. … That’s the most disappointing thing. We had an opportunity there to win that basketball game and you did a lot of things to put yourself in that situation, and then when you got in that situation, you didn’t do a good job,” said head coach Steve Donahue. “We talked about it, and we looked ourselves right in the mirror and decided, you know what, we’re not going to let it happen again.” ... "

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AP: Bigger roster, but question marks remain at Penn State

AP Wire | 11/17/2005 | Bigger roster, but question marks remain at Penn State:

"STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - At least he's got a full complement of players this year.

"Penn State coach Ed DeChellis has 14 players on the roster to try and implement his brand of up-tempo basketball, after sometimes using coaches on the floor to just to get through practice last season.

"But with seven freshmen and three healthy sophomores on his roster, the head Nittany Lion isn't quite sure yet what he'll get from some of his youngsters as the season opener approaches, on Saturday against Cornell.

" 'We are trying to get our personnel straight and trying to get guys in terms of where they are going to be to help us,' DeChellis said earlier this week. ..."

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Collegian: Big Red to provide measuring stick for PSU

Big Red to provide measuring stick for PSU:

"For a team low on experience and even lower in expectations, tomorrow's season opener against Cornell will serve as a measuring stick for a squad in great need of confidence.

"The Nittany Lions host the Big Red at 12:30 in the Bryce Jordan Center, the first opportunity for nine Penn State players to see regular season action for the Blue and White.

"Cornell (1-1) lost 67-62 in a near upset of No. 16 Syracuse last Wednesday and brings an unorthodox offensive style to the Jordan Center. ..."

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Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Collegian: Team event devoted to fans

Team event devoted to fans:

"Normally, fans support the athletes -- yesterday that role was reversed.

"Members of the Penn State men's and women's basketball teams gathered inside the Bryce Jordan Center last night to mingle with fans of all ages during Penn State Basketball Eve 2005.

" 'It's just a fun thing,' men's coach Ed DeChellis said. 'It gives our fans an opportunity to know who we are.'

"Whether it was playing college hoops on X-Box, getting autographs and pictures, or participating in a number of contests and events, several hundred fans got a chance to meet their favorite Penn State athletes.

"And while players may have been the center of attention, students -- and even senior citizens -- enjoyed the night's festivities.

"State College resident Charles Zendt, 68, who was busy snapping photos of the Lady Lions, said he enjoyed the show.

" 'Any time you get to talk to somebody or at least say 'Hi' to them, you feel more personally involved with them,' he said. 'It keeps you interested in the sport.' ..."

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Tuesday, November 15, 2005

AP: Penn State's Claxton hopes to put on show, exhibition or not

PennLive.com: SportsFlash - Penn State's Claxton hopes to put on show, exhibition or not:

"STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — It was just an exhibition game, a warm-up against a Division II school.

"But don't tell that to Geary Claxton, Penn State's standout sophomore. In this otherwise lopsided and uneventful 89-43 over Lock Haven on a recent evening, Claxton stood out.

"At first glance, the 15 points and eight rebounds aren't that impressive until the final column from the stat sheet put his numbers in perspective: 16 minutes played.

"I knew what Geary could do,' Penn State coach Ed DeChellis said after the game, explaining his desire to get more people off the bench some game action.

"After watching Claxton's performance last year as a freshman, DeChellis said he is pleased with how quickly he has come along. Claxton, a 6-foot-5 wing, was arguably the Nittany Lions' best player last season.

"Perhaps most impressively, Claxton improved his numbers significantly in Big Ten play, hitting double digits in scoring in all but two conference contests.

"With an average of 14 points a game in league play last year, however, Claxton knows he enters this season as a target for opponents.

" 'It's going to be a lot tougher,' Claxton said. 'I think teams .... "

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Sunday, November 13, 2005

OT: Post-Gazette: PSU fans, players celebrate at lovefest with an electric beat

What's happened at Beaver Stadium is truly remarkable. It is surely the winning that started the fire, but in my nearly three decades of following Penn State sports, I have never seen a student section like this year's. I would not have thought it could happen at Penn State ... - ed.

PSU fans, players celebrate at lovefest with an electric beat:

"UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Sometime in 1998, a German DJ known in the electronic underground as Splank used his personal computer and a soundcard to experiment with some beats -- an evil pattern of synch noise -- not knowing at the time that this musical flow would, seven years later, cause one of America's largest stadiums to move within its own concrete.

"Splank, in his bare studio, created a basic tune, both simple and contagious. He called the track 'Kernkraft 400,' though years later, hundreds of thousands of fans in a foreign country would mistakenly call it 'Zombie Nation.' Really, Zombie Nation was the name of Splank's one-man electronica band. And Kernkraft 400 was his first breakthrough, an international club hit that chased Mariah Carey off the Billboard charts.

"Like all songs -- and, like the Penn State football team that would later use the song as its anthem -- the peak led to a downfall. Kernkraft 400 was soon anonymous, preserved only in the musical cemetery known as late-night laser bowling, and, basically, left for dead elsewhere.

"How to explain this scene, then, but as a resurrection? Eight days ago, Penn State played Wisconsin at Beaver Stadium, and 109,865 people -- a good 20,000 of whom were students dressed in white, like zombies -- pushed together, as if forming the many parts of one beast. Every time Kernkraft 400 pulsated through the speaker system, the stadium shook with noise. Some students stuffed Advil in their pockets, they would later admit, because the roar gave them headaches by halftime. Others, like Penn State junior Jeff Bast, had spent days camping outside in 40-degree temperatures, just for the chance at a front-row seat in college football's wildest frenzy.

"Together, on third downs, the stadium waited. One mob of fans, so listless only a year ago, waited for the song it called Zombie Nation, a tribute to the reawakened dead. ..."

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Centre Daily Times: Nittany Lions still a work in progress

Centre Daily Times | 11/13/2005 | Nittany Lions still a work in progress:

"UNIVERSITY PARK -- The season opener is 12 days away, the exhibition with Edinboro three. Ed DeChellis is in the Penn State men's basketball office at 8 a.m. Another full day -- another full week -- in the Bryce Jordan Center awaits.

"In his third season as head coach of the Nittany Lions, DeChellis faces many of the obstacles that came to define his first two seasons, which yielded just 16 combined wins. His team is young again, with just two returnees who are upperclassmen. It has already been undercut by a serious injury -- sophomore shooting guard Danny Morrissey, a projected starter, is out for the season after dislocating a tendon in his left knee.

"There are no quick fixes for the turnaround DeChellis, his staff, his team and its fans are hoping for, only hard work, commitment and, they hope, a bit of luck along the way. There is only one way to tackle the task -- a day at a time. The following is a closer look at one of these days.

"8:30 a.m. ..."

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Friday, November 11, 2005

Scout.com: Lions Roll in Exhibition

Great to hear from Brennan, who has to be busy with his new venture and the football season ....

Scout.com: Lions Roll in Exhibition:

"Penn State closed its exhibition schedule with a 71-58 win over Division II Edinboro at the Jordan Center Thursday night, and in doing so proved one thing: The Nittany Lions would be the class of the PSAC.

"That's because they also hammered D-II Lock Haven a week earlier. From here on out, however, Penn State tangles with major-college competition. And starting with next Saturday's opener against Cornell at the BJC, the games count.

"Asked if his overhauled squad is prepared for that challenge, third-year coach Ed DeChellis was concise.

"“Nope,” he said, and went on to talk about a poor second half, even invoking the classic Paternoese statement heard so often in these parts: “We got out of whack.”

"Which, while true, did not address the fact that the game was not nearly as close the final score indicated. ..."

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CDT: Is it possible the paper did not staff the game?

AP Wire | 11/10/2005 | Penn State 71, Edinboro 58:

"STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Geary Claxton had 16 points and six rebounds and David Jackson added 11 points as Penn State used a 17-0 first-half run on the way to a 71-58 win over Division II Edinboro in an exhibition game on Thursday.

"The game was tight early and Edinboro's Torry Mitchell hit a 3-pointer with 15:50 left in the first half to tie the score 9-9. The Nittany Lions then went on their run, started by a Claxton free throw and a Ben Luber jumper. About 10 minutes later, Claxton finished the run with a layup to give Penn State a 26-9 lead. ..."

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Post-Gazette: The Big Ten forecast

The Big Ten forecast:

"1. Michigan State
"Last Season: 26-7, 13-3, lost to North Carolina in the Final Four. ..."

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Post-Gazette: PSU: Five to circle

PSU: Five to circle:

"PSU: Five to circle

"Friday, November 11, 2005

"Five games on Penn State's schedule that will go a long way in determining the fortunes of the Nittany Lions' season ... or just figure to be fun to watch: ..."

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Post-Gazette: The point man: PSU's Ed DeChellis

The point man: PSU's Ed DeChellis:

"The point man: PSU's Ed DeChellis

"Friday, November 11, 2005

"Penn State's third-year coach is so accustomed to bad news that, after finishing a cell phone call earlier this year about an update on a possible recruit, he turned to somebody else and joked, 'That's the first good news I've gotten all year.'

"Penn State has put its faith in DeChellis, a coach who turned around the East Tennessee State program. ..."

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Post-Gazette: PSU Chalk Talk: Keys to a successful season

PSU Chalk Talk: Keys to a successful season:

"PSU Chalk Talk: Keys to a successful season

"Friday, November 11, 2005

"1. Avoid more of the same
Breaking away from the cycle of losing has turned into Penn State's mission statement. The only problem is, the Lions aren't accomplishing that mission. They've won, in order, seven, seven, nine and seven games the past four seasons. Most of those wins came against teams such as Sacred Heart, Cleveland State and Northeastern. Worse, the losing has prompted player dissatisfaction and player departure. In the offseason, Aaron Johnson, the team's second-leading scorer and most experienced player, decided to leave the program. Since Ed DeChellis took over the team, he has lost several of his most talented players, including Marlon Smith, who averaged 13.4 points per game two seasons ago as a freshman. ..."

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Thursday, November 10, 2005

Sports Info: Penn State Downs Edinboro 71-58

Claxton delivers many highlights on way to 16 points

State College, Pa., Nov. 10, 2005 - The Penn State basketball team continued to push the tempo and showed its athleticism as the Nittany Lions posted 71-58 victory over Edinboro in their final exhibition before their season opener Nov. 19 against Cornell in the Bryce Jordan Center.

Head Coach Ed DeChellis spoke of the Nittany Lions jitters in their first exhibition outing, an 89-43 win over Lock Haven, but few were evident Thursday night. All 14 Nittany Lions got in the action in the first half and nine scored as Penn State employed a press and pushed the ball up the floor for quick shots on its way to a 38-16 halftime advantage.

Sophomore forward Geary Claxton showed the many facets of his game as he posted 14 first half points and five rebounds on his way to a team-high 16 for the game. Claxton hammered home a pair of dunks in transition, drained a three, shot six-of-seven from the field, cleaned up on the offensive and defensive glass and showed the all-around game that made him a 2005 All-Big Ten Freshman Team pick, in just 12 minutes of first half action.

He carried the exciting play into the second half eliciting cheers from the crowd when he threw down an ally-oop from Ben Luber three minutes into the half to give the Lions a 46-20 lead and blocked a shot at the rim of former Nittany Lion Darren Tielsch, now in his second season at Edinboro. The assist was one of eight for Luber on the night as the junior played a strong floor game with four steals and just one turnover in 26 minutes.

A starting unit of guards Ben Luber and David Jackson and forwards Claxton, Travis Parker and Joonas Suotamo battled Edinboro to a 9-9 tie at the 15:50 mark before kicking into high gear with a 17-0 run that lasted nearly 10 minutes and staked Penn State to a 26-9 lead at the 6:02 mark. Penn State's last points of the half came from walk-ons Clay Scovill and Keith Hardin as Scovill used a pump fake as the shot clock expired and hit a one footed three pointer and Hardin hit a short jumper.

Penn State pushed the lead to 26 twice in the second half as DeChellis tried different combinations and got a good look at his bench. The Nittany Lions held a 65-39 advantage with 7:22 to play and were up by 20 as late as the four-minute mark before the Scots closed the margin in the final minutes. Tielsch scored eight of his game-high 22 points in the final five minutes as Edinboro shot 58.6 percent and scored 42 points in the second half to close the lead.
Junior David Jackson continued to shoot the ball well posting 11 points on five-of-eight from the field and added four assists.

Sophomore Brandon Hassell was solid coming off the bench posting six points on three-of-four from the field, including a nice spin move dunk, and three rebounds in just 14 minutes. Freshman Milos Bogetic, a 6-10 forward, again led the team in rebounding with seven. Senior Travis Parker, seeing his first action of the year, posted six points and five rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes of action.

Penn State shot 46.3 percent for the game, including a hot 51.5 in the first half.

The Nittany Lions will open the season next Saturday in the Bryce Jordan Center against a Cornell team that nearly pulled off an upset of No. 16 Syracuse on Wednesday night in the Carrier Dome before falling 67-62. The opener is set for a 12:30 p.m. tipoff.

Collegian: DeChellis preaching aggressive style

DeChellis preaching aggressive style:

"Gambling can be an addictive vice -- once you start, you can't stop. But Ed DeChellis actually encourages it.

"On the basketball court, that is.

"The Penn State men's basketball team has been practicing an aggressive-style of defense all week and is scheduled for a tune-up at 7 tonight in an exhibition game vs. Edinboro at the Bryce Jordan Center.

" 'High risk, high reward,' DeChellis said, addressing his players on the floor. 'We want dunks on the other end. Be aggressive.' ..."

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Centre Daily Times: Nittany Lions trying to set starters

Centre Daily Times | 11/10/2005 | Nittany Lions trying to set starters:

"Part one was assembling a full roster. Part two is whittling it down into a regular lineup.

"The Penn State men's basketball team will use tonight's exhibition game against Edinboro (7 p.m., Bryce Jordan Center) to help determine which combinations work best.

"The Nittany Lions crushed Lock Haven 89-43 last week, getting double-figure scoring from four players and 53 rebounds, but struggled to find consistency as seven first-year players broke into the lineup.

"Edinboro, which was 24-7 last season and made the NCAA Division II tournament, figures to provide a stiffer test.

"The Fighting Scots graduated a pair of 1,000-point scorers -- Rob Sims and PSAC West player of the year Jakim Donaldson -- but retain their three other starters, including Daren Tielsch, a 6-foot-8 small forward who played at Penn State from 2001-02, then joined Edinboro last season after two years at Robert Morris.

"'They have some more athletic guys, some bigger guys, so I think they'll be more of a challenge for us in the post,' Penn State coach Ed DeChellis said. 'I think we're gonna try to press a little bit after made free throws, see if we can put some pressure on the ball.' ..."

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Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Sports Info: Penn State Basketball Inks A Pair In Early Signing Period

David Jackson (6-7) and Andrew Jones (6-8) bring size, athleticism to Lions

State College, Pa., Nov. 9, 2005 - Head Coach Ed DeChellis continued to add size and athleticism to the Penn State basketball team Wednesday as he announced the signing of 6-7 forward David Jackson (Kennedy Catholic HS/Farrell, Pa.) and 6-8 forward Andrew Jones, III (Abington Friends HS/Philadelphia, Pa.) on the first day of the early signing period. The two signees fill Penn State's available scholarships for the 2005-06 recruiting period.

"We have added two outstanding young men who possess great athletic ability," DeChellis said. "They will both bring a great deal to our program."

Jackson (6-7, 190) is projected as a collegiate forward but played all five positions on a Kennedy Catholic team that posted a 24-7 record and reached the PIAA Class A title game last season. Jackson scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a 65-61 loss to Bishop O'Reilly.

"David is an outstanding prospect with great athletic ability that will help him to play several positions for us," DeChellis said. "He comes from a very successful high school program with great tradition and is a great addition to our basketball family."

Jackson, who is coached by former Penn State assistant coach Tim Loomis (1987-89), averaged 17.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game as a junior and was a first team All-State selection. A three-year starter and honor roll student on a team that has posted a 77-14 mark the last three seasons, he earned third team All-State honors and first team All-MCAC as a sophomore.

Young for his class, he turned 17 in August, Jackson is a slasher who shoots well off the drive and can get to the rim. He is a strong rebounder and will serve as a co-captain this season for a team that returns all but two players and looks to challenge for the Class A title again. His mother, Andrea, is an assistant volleyball coach at Youngstown State and was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team.

"I felt like it was family there," Jackson said of his decision to come to Penn State, "Every time I visited there, I didn't want to go home. It also fit in with the top schools academically, which is what I was looking for."

Jones (6-8, 190) is projected as a collegiate small forward or power forward. In just his third season of organized basketball, he averaged 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks for an Abington Friends School team that posted a 19-10 record and lost by a point in the championship game of the Friends School League in Philadelphia. Jones was a first team All-League selection and a second team All-Montgomery County pick.

"Andrew possesses great athletic ability and his explosiveness around the basket is outstanding," DeChellis said. "He affects the game in many ways."

"He runs the floor very well and is a very good shot blocker, "said Abington Friends coach Steve Chadwin. "He's just learning how to play. This is his third year really of competitive basketball. His best basketball is in the future. He is extremely talented as far as having the potential to be a real solid player. He's a good defender, very team oriented and has strong leadership qualities."

Jones will serve as a captain this year for an Abington Friends team that also features another top collegiate prospect in 6-9 center Jason Love.

David Jackson (Kennedy Catholic/Farrell, Pa.)
Forward, 6-7, 190

Honors and Awards:

First Team Class A, All-State (2005)
Third Team Class A, All-State (2004)
First Team All-MCAC (2004)
Honor Roll Student

Prep:

Team captain as a senior
As a junior 17.6 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 3.6 apg
Three-year starter
Led team to PIAA Class A title game in 2005
26 points, 7 rebounds in that game
Coach: Tim Loomis - former Penn State assistant coach under Bruce Parkhill (1987-89)

Andrew Jones, III (Abington Friends/Philadelphia, Pa.)
Forward, 6-8, 190

Honors and Awards:

First Team All-League (Friends School League) (2005)
Second Team All-Montgomery Country

Prep:

Team captain as a senior
As a junior 12 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 bpg
Team went 19-10 and reached league championship game
Has played three years of organized basketball
Coach: Steve Chadwin

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

OT: Holy Cow

Ron Cook: Posluszny PSU's best LB according to Ham:

"For a Penn State linebacker, this must be what it feels like to be touched by God.

" 'I truly believe,' Jack Ham was saying the other day, 'he's the best linebacker ever to play at Penn State.'

"Paul Posluszny."

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Monday, November 07, 2005

Men's Basketball Season Opener with Cornell Set For 12:30 p.m. Tipoff

Men's Basketball Season Opener with Cornell Set For 12:30 p.m. Tipoff:

"State College, Pa., Nov. 7, 2005 - The Penn State basketball team's Nov. 19 season opener with Cornell in the Bryce Jordan Center has been set for a 12:30 p.m. tipoff. Penn State will open its third season under Head Coach Ed DeChellis prior to the Penn State football team's 4:00 p.m. kickoff at Michigan State on that day. The basketball game can be heard live on the radio on the Penn State Sports Network as well as at www.GoPSUsports.com, which will also feature Gametracker. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling 814-863-1000 or 800-833-5533.

"Penn State was impressive in posting an 89-43 victory over Lock Haven in the Lions' first exhibition of the season last Thursday. Sophomore Geary Claxton (West Haven, Conn.) and junior David Jackson (Gaithersburg, Md.) tied for the team lead with 15 points each in that game as seven newcomers, including Jackson, saw significant action and played well. Four Nittany Lions scored in double-digits in that game as Penn State posted a 50-point second half.

"Penn State will play its second and final exhibition of the season on Thursday, Nov. 10 as they take on Edinboro at 7:00 p.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center. Admission to that game is free."

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Saturday, November 05, 2005

New York Times: No Time to Rest, He Has to Sell a Football Team

No Time to Rest, He Has to Sell a Football Team - New York Times:

"STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Nov. 4 - During breaks in Penn State football games this season, the speaker system at Beaver Stadium has played a rhythmic tune, 'Kernkraft 400' by a techno group called Zombie Nation, as the scoreboard displays the word 'Bounce.'

This has prompted more than 100,000 fans to jump up and down, an energized scene that motivates the home team and causes the grandstands to vibrate. Perhaps it also intimidates the opposition. Certainly it worries the structural engineers.

" 'A little bit on the edge,' said Graham B. Spanier, the president of Penn State. 'Now, we play the music but we don't put the word 'Bounce' up on the scoreboard. The engineers and the physical-plant folks are just being careful. But, clearly, we've created a certain atmosphere.'

"That atmosphere will be displayed Saturday when 10th-ranked Penn State plays No. 14 Wisconsin in the Nittany Lions' final home game of an implausible comeback season. At stake is the lead in the Big Ten Conference. Both teams are 5-1 in the league and 8-1 over all and have one game remaining after this one. In the previous two seasons, Penn State finished ninth in the conference.

"But the alchemist of the stadium atmosphere and of other changes around the football program is a man behind the curtain, Guido D'Elia, who is not even a permanent employee. D'Elia, a consultant from Pittsburgh brought in two years ago, has delighted some people and worried others with his aggressive innovations and his influence with Joe Paterno, the veteran coach in his 40th season.

" 'I am the designated trouble-stirrer of change,' D'Elia said in one of two recent interviews in his office in the Lasch football center. 'I'm the lightning rod. I'm Darth Vader. I'm the angel of death.' "

...

"Next to D'Elia's desk were large cardboard illustrations of the stadium with lettering and numbers that he hoped to add next season to commemorate Penn State's football history. He said he recently discussed Penn State's conservative uniforms with apparel manufacturers. ..."

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Friday, November 04, 2005

FightOnState.com: Nittany Lions Get Past Jitters, LHU

Scout.com: Nittany Lions Get Past Jitters, LHU:

"Ed DeChellis' rebuilt squad cruises to an easy exhibition win over D-II program, but only after some nervous play early in the game. The coach said he expected that from a squad featuring five true freshmen and a junior college transfer.

"The Penn State basketball team launched a new era at the Jordan Center Thursday night, as a roster crammed full of five true freshmen, a junior college transfer and a newly eligible Division I transfer took on Lock Haven in exhibition action.

"The new-look Nittany Lions scalped the Division II Bald Eagles 89-43, in a game that was as much about the PSU players getting to know one another in a competitive situation as anything else. Third-year coach Ed DeChellis ran a basic motion offense throughout the game and a simple man-to-man defense, played 11 different athletes at least 11 minutes each and limited star sophomore forward Geary Claxton to 16 minutes.

"Which was a good thing for LHU, considering Claxton tallied a game-high 15 points and nine rebounds during his brief appearance.

"But not all of the Lions were so comfortable. Even though the crowd, which was admitted free, was generously listed at a modest 2,200, this was a new experience for most of the first-y