Game two of the 2010-11 season has the Nittany Lions (1-0) squaring off against an Atlantic 10 foe, the Hawks (0-1) of Saint Joseph’s who lost their season opener 70-89 to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. But don’t write off the Hawks just yet, led by Phil Martelli who is in his 16th season with the Hawks, St Joe’s are a perennially solid mid major program having reached the NCAA tournament three times (2003, 2004, 2008) since 2001 including an Elite Eight run capping a 30-2 season in 2004. That’s 2 more appearances in the past decade than the Nittany Lions who last got a shot at the Big Dance as far back as 2001.

Time: 7:30 pm EST
TV: ESPN3
Radio: Penn State Sports Network (1450 AM locally) with Steve Jones and Dick Jerardi
All Time Record: Penn State leads 13-9, including 7 of last 8
Last Meeting: Saint Joseph’s won 79-67 at The Palestra in 2007

Just a game deep into the season, these stats (National Rank) are a little premature. But here they are for your viewing pleasure nonetheless.

	Saint Joseph’s		Penn State	Advantage
Off Points /game	70.0 (144)	Def Points/game	56.0 (41)
Rebounds /game	37.0 (139)	Rebounds/game	45.0 (29)
Off Assists /game	13.0 (128)	Def Assists/game	10.0 (69)
Off Field Goal %	33.8 (264)	Def Field Goal %	36.5 (59)
Def Points /game	98.0 (290)	Off Points/game	70.0 (144)
Def Assists /game	26.0 (296)	Off Assists/game	11.0 (182)
Def Field Goal %	60.9 (297)	Off Field Goals %	40.3 (189)

Difference < 25 National Rank = Push
Difference > 25 National Rank =
Difference > 75 National Rank =
Difference > 125 National Rank =
Difference > 175 National Rank = 

On paper Penn State should walk away with a victory over their A10 opponent, but a DeChellis coached team can defy even the best of odds. The Nittany Lions have 18 home games this season and if there is any hope for an invitation to the Big Dance, they have to defend the Bryce Jordan Center. With 8 of the first 9 games at home, the Lions have a good shot for a strong start to the season. Go State!