Ok boys tell me about your Palestra trip. I told you it would rock.
- Thread starter SEPATOPTEN
- Start date
I dont think Penn really minds us playing there. Honestly, they recognize that we are above them in the recruiting game regardless of whether we play there or not. The only team that doesn't want us there is Temple. I dont think it bothers Villanova because they are above us and they get who they want out of Philly.
Why can’t we just play the majority of our games at Rec Hall? it is a better home advantage venue and has a old time classic feel to it.
If there is a large demand for a game, it can be played at BJC.
If there is a large demand for a game, it can be played at BJC.
Giant center - absolutely, for Chance Westry. We need to put the full-court press on for that kid.
i don’t know that Villanova is above up this year. I would love to get a chance to play them in the Dance come March Madness.
don’t be ashamed. **** that dick head. You were doing the Lord’s work.
From what I hear, Philly schools (aka SJU, Temple, La Salle) don't really want us in the city. Chambers is making PSU more and more of a Philly school (although we have the top player in the Pittsburgh area signed for next year, #2 guy in the state), is building pipelines, and it's threatening.
Nova recruits nationally and has their pick, and UPenn is after different guys than us - so those 2 do not care.
Don't think I read a Palestra thread without recalling the city championship in 1970-something with leaping lewis lloyd of the O squaring off with gene banks of West.
Those were days.
I do recall my friend and i were an, um, minority in the crowd... and it never once was an issue. Great game.
Those were days.
I do recall my friend and i were an, um, minority in the crowd... and it never once was an issue. Great game.
Outstanding idea. And add a Pa. holiday basketball tournament for its colleges.
I did the 3 1/2 hour drive up to SC for a game. Morning weather was nice in the 40's. Left the game and it was OK until we got to Altoona. Snowed all the way to Blairsville and many trucks were stuck on 22, especially at Chicory Mountain. Added about 3 hours to our trip. Made a really long day. Yes, when students are home, should try to do games at other arenas in the state.
We parked over at a $7 LAZ lot near 30th St Station and walked over to Baby Blues about 12. Got on the wait list and tried to grab a beer at a few of the other local establishments. No dice. Couldn't get to the bar at the first and then, at Bernie's, waited at the bar for at least 20 minutes (just one bartender!) before we got the call from Baby Blues (and man was their service fast!). At least we got a beer (and some good BBQ!) there lol. Was joking at Bernie's with some alum who made the trek from State College that we should send an email around to the local bars in advance of the next PSU game in Philly, reminding them that Nittany Lion fans represent well and they best staff appropriately, lol.
Everything else has been said. Great/ electric atmosphere, hot as heck, and all-in-all a great time. I've gone to a few of these "PSU at the Palestra" games and enjoyed them all - I hope they continue to play a game a year there! I was at the St. Joe's-Lafayette game at the Palesta last season - my first Big 5 game - and the atmosphere and crowd yesterday definitely exceeded that (I am biased, of course, lol!).
I’m getting to this thread late as after the game went into center city and met some friends at the Good Dog Bar (stop, sit, stay) on 15th street. It’s a great bar including the half woman half man logos on the restroom doors that say “we don’t care” underneath. The Palestra was awesome yesterday as previously stated. They really pack the crowd into the bleachers and the heat in the building was crazy. But it really was home field advantage for Penn State as everything from the banners, cheerleaders, band, Lion mascot, dance troop, and especially the videos that were played during breaks were all Penn State. It was a great job by the athletic department. Sandy was there and had a nice pregame interview, QB Clifford was introduced in the stands, and the Philly Fanatic was there. The star Spangled Banner was sung in inspirational fashion by the mother of one of our former players, Shep Garner. Some videos featured both Penn State and Eagles players and at one point the crowd erupted into the Fly Eagles Fly fight song. Other videos showed all the former Nittany Lions playing in the NBA.
Onto the game, it was very intense and both teams played as hard as you ever see. I think if it weren’t for foul trouble we might have won easier but as stated the bench really came through for us, and eventually their center 55, Garza, seemed to run out of gas and missed some important free throws while we got the right person on the line and made them all when it counted. After being held somewhat in check because of fouls, Stevens came through at the end and made some big plays for us, yelling. “This is my City” after a basket. This is a game I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I hope the team can put this emotional effort aside and get ready for a tough road match up at RU on Tuesday as they will be fit for a let down and RU will be looking to lower our league standing and stay in the upper echelon. It will be a challenge for coach Chambers to get this team ready again after just two days off this win. Anyway kudos to the team, coaches, fans, and all of the PSU athletic department for making this game special and turning the Palestra into Rec Hall East. I hope everyone had a good time.
Onto the game, it was very intense and both teams played as hard as you ever see. I think if it weren’t for foul trouble we might have won easier but as stated the bench really came through for us, and eventually their center 55, Garza, seemed to run out of gas and missed some important free throws while we got the right person on the line and made them all when it counted. After being held somewhat in check because of fouls, Stevens came through at the end and made some big plays for us, yelling. “This is my City” after a basket. This is a game I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I hope the team can put this emotional effort aside and get ready for a tough road match up at RU on Tuesday as they will be fit for a let down and RU will be looking to lower our league standing and stay in the upper echelon. It will be a challenge for coach Chambers to get this team ready again after just two days off this win. Anyway kudos to the team, coaches, fans, and all of the PSU athletic department for making this game special and turning the Palestra into Rec Hall East. I hope everyone had a good time.
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Villanova playing Penn State in basketball is like Penn State playing Pitt in football. It legitimizes a lesser program and gives them a chance to be seen as an equal.
Good summary! I'll add a few more.....
Pre-gamed at Cavanaughs. As someone mentioned before, they were understaffed and the bartender said they didn't know there was a game. Fortunately, crowd was relatively small and we had a much better pre-game experience than MSU game.
Did not see the very start but Shep Garner's mom sang the anthem before the MSU game, too. Was she wearing her tight white jeans again?
It was most definitely a PSU home game, and pretty much a white out...including the faces in the crowd (not trying to stir the pot, but it was an odd observation that I made). Didn't even know there was an Iowa section that was behind and left of me, until I heard them do some cheer.
Many videos as mentioned, including one from Jim Garner of 6ABC News as a shout-out to the Dance Marathon.
The Phanatic was his usual funny self. Gritty must have been booked elsewhere for the day.
Stevens played a great game, especially with foul trouble early in the 2nd half. Watkins was pretty much a non-factor, but had a nice alley oop near the end....half of his total points, I believe. The dude is massive and should dominate more.
Iowa went cold in the last 2 minutes. Their #55 (Garza) dominated under the basket all day, but as mentioned, he missed at least 4 FTs down the stretch. Their #10 (?) couldn't miss a 3, but also couldn't get a shot off towards the end, because....
PSU plays a smothering defense that is fun to watch.
PSU missed a lot of 3s in the first half, and quite a few FTs all game, but hit them at the end. Nothing new there.
There really isn't a bad seat in the house, but it was on TV so there were camera guys in the corners that I would not want to be directly behind.
It was a great game to watch and worth the price of admission! (Penn charged more for this game than they do for their own...a friend also needed to scalp one ticket and 2 guys wanted $100, but found one for $40).
Also, Pat has said on a number of occasions that he and Jay are too close to play a game against each other.
Villanova has won two NCs this past decade so I would hardly call them a lesser program than Penn State.
He meant the other way around, Jim. PSU being the lesser program compared to Nova hoops
Duh. We have one. The Palestra is a twin of Rec Hall. They were designed and built by the same guy and their plans are almost identical.
What PSU needs is a fan base with passion, not one that just gets up for special occasions.
The thought that there isnt a bad seat in the Palestra is wrong. The upper level sideline corner sections are essentially obstructed view seat. I couldnt see the Iowa bench and about 5 feet of that side of the floor and when the crowd stood I was blocked to a few feet from the lane. Section 201.
Official attendance was 7881 but there's something off with that figure. The game was sold out and there certainly weren't 1000 empty seats.
Who did they have doing the We Are chant over the microphone, it sounded like a women during a timeout.
Jay Wright doesn't like to schedule any of his ex assts who are now head coaches. He just doesn't like playing vs. guys who likes and has worked with. He now MUST go against 2 of his ex assts in Billy Lange (St. Joes) and Ashley Howard (LaSalle) because of the Big 5. But he doesn't want to schedule others like Baker Dunleavy at Quinnipiac or Chambers.
I do think the other Big 5 schools like LaSalle, Temple, and St. Joe's do not want to see Chambers coming into Philly and recruiting against them.
But if Jay Wright wants a Philly kid, he is not worried about losing him to Chambers. Best example of that is Mikal Bridges. Chambers was recruiting Bridges really hard as far back as 9-10th grade. Jay didn't jump into it until later when Bridges was in 11th grade. Needless to say, once Jay got involved, Chambers knew he wasn't getting Bridges.
I do think the other Big 5 schools like LaSalle, Temple, and St. Joe's do not want to see Chambers coming into Philly and recruiting against them.
But if Jay Wright wants a Philly kid, he is not worried about losing him to Chambers. Best example of that is Mikal Bridges. Chambers was recruiting Bridges really hard as far back as 9-10th grade. Jay didn't jump into it until later when Bridges was in 11th grade. Needless to say, once Jay got involved, Chambers knew he wasn't getting Bridges.
I’m not 100% sure but I think it was Shep Garners mother. She sang the national anthem as well and had “Lion Mother” on the back of her shirt. She was leading “We Are” chants from time to time.
The venue actually sucks. It is a sweat box. If you are over 5'2 it is very uncomfortable. The rows could not get any smaller. Just hope the guy behind you is not over 5'2 or his knees will be next to your ears. The Liacouras is a much better venue.
I doubt that. Jay could not get any more chummy with the other B5 coaches who are all on the schedule. He does not have to play those teams. Lasalle and St Joes are coached by former assistants. He has also played Lafayette coached by Fran O'hanlon.
My observations....agree with everything about the Palestra and the awesome heat and atmosphere. What wasn't mentioned is how squeezed in you are in a packed house. I think these bleachers were built 100 years ago when everyone was realy skinny!
Yep was Shep’s mom. Was hoping for a Flava Flav sighting!
I attended many, many games at rec hall that had the same crowd density and and vibe as the crowds at BJC......per your point.
His mom still sings the anthem at the BJC on occasion. She sang it the first game this year.
Not sure what you are doubting. I said Jay doesn't like to play his ex assistants because he is good friends with them and he doesn't want to coach vs. his close buddies. Fran OHanlon played at Nova, but he never coached with Jay. Jay and Fran are friends but were never on the same staff. He likes all the big 5 coaches, even liked Martelli, he has to face them due to the Big 5 tie. But if he has the choice, he has almost never sked an out of conf game vs. one of his old assistants like Chambers, Dunleavy, etc.
Rewatched parts of the game and the press conference...I’ll give Sandy kudos for keeping Chambers for a few more seasons. I am still not a Chambers fan boy, but it’s nice to see him and the team, particularly Lamar, have some success. You can tell Chambers was beaming after the win. Interesting stat, roughly 50% of our points were scored by players from the Philly area
