Centre Daily Times | 01/15/2006 | Nittany Lions drop Big Ten home opener to Iowa:
“UNIVERSITY PARK — It’s hard to be sure if they were there to see the Orange Bowl trophy, get an autograph from Derrick Williams or, of all things, watch the Penn State men’s basketball team take on Iowa.
“For whatever reason, 8,293 came to the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday afternoon, and they saw the kind of game the Nittany Lions haven’t been able to deliver in a while — one that, if not for a couple of late, clutch plays by a couple of Hawkeye seniors, could have been a gritty Penn State win.
“Iowa won, 80-76, but the Nittany Lions (9-5, 1-2 Big Ten) gave notice that this conference season could be more entertaining, if not more successful, than those of years past.
“Adam Haluska scored a career-high 29 points for the Hawkeyes (13-4, 2-1), including 12 during a huge first-half run that might have decided the game.
“Penn State battled back on several occasions in the second half, taking a 68-66 lead with just under four minutes remaining and a 70-69 lead with two minutes to play, but a costly Nittany Lion turnover and two huge plays by Iowa center Erek Hansen wrapped up Iowa’s third win in its last 10 Big Ten road games.
“‘It seemed like we were one bounce away all night,’ said Penn State coach Ed DeChellis. …”