Penn State hits rock bottom and God love 'em, they just keep digging.

Oh, forget it. I don't even have the heart to write the fake "Tarheels Beat Nittany Lions" post.  This game was a disaster, practically from the opening tip.  UNC-Wilmington (1-2) -- a team that went 7-25 and had a RPI ranking of 273 one year ago -- never lost the lead after breaking a 7-7 tie early in the first half, although Penn State (2-1) whittled the deficit to two points with three minutes remaining.  Chris Babb, Andrew Jones, and Tim Frazier combined to shoot 4-28 from the field.  Babb was an unconscionably bad 2-10 on his three-point attempts.  Despite those awful shooting performances, Cammeron Woodyard couldn't get more than four minutes of playing time -- two more than Andrew Ott received.  Talor Battle scored 29 points, but was 8-23 from the field. However, he was uncharacteristically great from the foul line (11-12).

How bad was it?  Penn State had nine steals and only five turnovers, and still lost by 11.  It was obvious that Ed DeChellis was frantically searching for a winning combination, like an 80 year old man about to bet his Social Security check at the racetrack.  Nothing worked.  Perhaps Penn State was flat due to playing a game two nights ago and traveling to South Carolina.  Maybe it was just one of those games where four guys were ice cold at the same time -- the only two players to hit more than half of their field goals were David Jackson (4-5) and Jeff Brooks (4-6).  Except for the unusual amount of made free throws, Penn State looked like the DeChellis teams of 3-5 years ago.  Next to no production from the post players, awful perimeter defense, and lots of bricks on the offensive end. 

It'll be filed under the "Bad Loss" category come March, if this team turns out to be bubble-worthy again.  The Charleston Classic, just like the other in-season tournaments Penn State has particpated in recently, is already an epic failure.  This was Penn State's chance to add some quality wins (or hell, some quality competition) to its resume, against teams like Miami, Davidson, or South Carolina.  Instead, it's Tulane tomorrow afternoon at 12:30 p.m.  No rest for the frigid.

Game is on ESPNU and your usual PSU football/basketball radio stations.  Good luck finding it elsewhere.

ESPN Game Cast (updates every 30 seconds)

No, it's not on television.  Yes, you have to pay $2.99 for the BTN's apparently awful video feed.  But don't despair, you can listen to the student broadcast for free.  Click on the ComRadio logo at the top of the page for the audio.  Game starts at 7:35 p.m.

Useful links:

Box score

Game notes from gopsusports.com

List of radio affiliates

by Frank Franklin II - AP

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In the off chance somebody is watching the game on BTN.com. If you're at the game, leave us some comments.

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7 months ago: Penn State's Talor Battle (12) drives past Notre Dame's Kyle McAlarney (23) during the second half of an NIT semifinal college basketball game Tuesday, March 31, 2009 in New York. Talor scored 17 points as Penn State won the game 67-59. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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We took a hiatus from the basketball previews to focus on the football game against Ohio State last week. But the season opener is this Friday, so I have to wrap this up fast. Previously we discussed what Penn State has to replace, and what Penn State is returning. So today let's introduce you all to the new faces wearing the Blue and White this season.

35 - F - Billy Oliver - 6'8" 215 lbs

Oliver had hoped to make a contribution last year as a true freshman, but two concussions suffered in short succession during the preseason forced him to put on the redshirt and sit out the 2008-2009 season. Oliver took it as an opportunity to hit the weight room and the training table to bulk up his frame in order to compete right away when he came back. He was successful in adding 20 lbs of solid muscle over the past year.

Here's what the PSU website has to say about his playing style.

A terrific passer with three-point range and strong perimeter skills, the 6-8 forward has also displayed the anticipation and long arms to block shots and grab rebounds around the rim and will compete for playing time at the front line positions.

In high school Oliver lead his team to a 26-7 record his senior year while averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 blocks per game. Oliver had a fight with the flu a few weeks ago, so he's just now getting back into the swing of things. In the exhibition game last Friday he played four minutes scoring three points and a rebound.

Penn State will be looking for Oliver to take some of the minutes vacated by Jamelle Cornley. Though Oliver has a long way to go to replace Cornley's heart and leadership, Penn State would be thrilled if he could contribute 10 minutes per game with five points, five rebounds, and a blocked shot or two.

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Earlier this week we talked about what Penn State has to replace this year. We'll get into the new faces Ed DeChellis will ask to fill those minutes. But first, let's talk about what Penn State has coming back this year.

22 - Andrew Jones III (6-10, 245)

The evolution of Andrew Jones was a fun thing to watch last year. He started out with a rather insignificant stat line for a starter only managing five or six points and three or four rebounds per game. But by the time the NIT came around he was a dominating force on the hardwood. During the tournament he averaged 10 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Here is what I had to say after the Indiana game.

Andrew Jones has become a really solid player. He had a couple of boneheaded turnovers, but for the most part when he gets the ball in the low post good things happen. He finished the night 4-for-4 from the field, and get this: over his last eight games Jones has shot 21-of-27 (77%) from the field. He has shown a nice mid-range jumper to go along with the baby hook he's developing. And when an outside shooter pops open he's good at getting them the ball. I'm starting to think he may turn into a significant scoring threat next season when he gets some of Cornley's touches.

Penn State will look to Jones and his 6'10" 245 lb frame to provide a big presence in the paint this year.

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