Lions, Hoosiers set for matchup:
“The Penn State men’s basketball team matches up almost identically with tonight’s opponent, although its record suggests otherwise.
“Youth is not an excuse in the Nittany Lions’ (7-13, 1-6 Big Ten) game against Indiana (9-9, 4-3 Big Ten). Both teams start three underclassmen and two juniors.
“Three players on each team average double figures in scoring. Penn State guard and Freshman of the Year hopeful Geary Claxton will meet his match in Indiana forward D.J. White, who was the preseason favorite to snag the honor. White sits 13 spots above Claxton (12.1 ppg) in the conference in scoring, averaging 14.1 points per game.
“The difference-maker, though, could be the Hoosiers’ veteran backcourt of junior guards Bracey Wright and Marshall Strickland.
“‘They’ve got some juniors and seniors and that’s important,’ Penn State coach Ed DeChellis said. ‘That’s been a benefit to the other guys on the team, and when it really gets tough they can throw the ball to Bracey Wright and they’ve got a pretty good chance they’re going to score.’ …”