Although it happened over a month ago, it should not be easily forgotten. On Dec. 9, 1989, Penn State's men's basketball team defeated Temple in front of a sellout crowd at Rec Hall.

On the surface, it was an important victory for the program. It gave Penn State its best start (5-0) in 34 years and also marked the team's first win against the Owls at University Park since 1982.

Although the victory was important, it also showed that Penn State is not ready to be a big-time Division I basketball program. That type of basketball (the Big 10 kind) takes commitment and planning. It also costs money.

The Rec Hall doors were scheduled to open at 6:15 for the 7:30 start Dec. 9. But by 6:15, the line of students waiting to enter Rec Hall stretched from the student entrance at the right side of the building to the corner at North Burrowes Street and Pollock Road.

Wisely, officials elected to open the doors of the 60-year-old facility earlier than expected.

Students at the end of the line noticed the movement at the front and sprinted toward the entrance. Those in the front moved as far forward as they could. As students entered the door and presented their IDs, ushers handed out tickets.

Instead of distributing seats on a first-come, first-serve basis, University officials hoped assigning seats would allow them to control the number of people who entered the game. Officials also wanted to provide as much seating as possible.

In theory it was a fine idea. Unfortunately, it was implemented a little too late. The crush created by hundreds of people attempting to enter one door was slowed by ticket distribution. Instead of moving through the door and finding seats, students stood outside.

Many contemplated returning to their studies. Some were stepped on and pushed. Others joined in choruses of "Jingle Bells" or theme songs from "The Flintstones" and "The Brady Bunch."

But mostly, they just stood.

And the large turnout should not have surprised University officials.

Penn State had entered the game on a streak and was picked to finish in the Atlantic 10's top four. Temple, as usual, was expected to be among the A-10's best.

Add to that, the fact the Owls always draw well in Rec Hall, that a good percentage of University students come from Philadelphia and that the game was played during the "study weekend" and the seeds for a sellout had been sewn.

Nobody was prepared though, and after waiting over an hour, many students were turned away at the door.

That's unfortunate, because basketball fans at Penn State deserve better.

Perhaps the problem could have been avoided by distributing tickets earlier in the week. A similar plan worked well when Oklahoma visited Rec Hall two years ago and it would not have been that difficult to implement.

Ever since Bruce Parkhill became coach six years ago, he has pleaded for fan support. Turning students away is not a way to earn that support.

Yes, during that six-year period many fans often trekked to Rec Hall to watch Penn State's opponents play. That will happen at any school when its program is struggling.

Now, however, the Lions aren't struggling and support is more consistent. As a result, Penn State should provide students with a reasonable ticket plan.

Students would have to cooperate, though. They would have to accept the fact that paying for tickets may become a reality -- especially with Big 10 competition on the horizon.

Just for comparison: Michigan students pay $10 per game or $60 for a season ticket (12 games), Michigan State students shell out $55 for 11 conference games and $5 each for non-conference games.

On the other hand, there's nothing wrong with students getting in for free either. It just takes planning. Free admission has worked well at Duke for years. Students pitch tents days ahead of time so they can get good seats.

Penn State fans might be willing to do the same thing, but preparation would still be the key. After waiting for three days, students should not have to shuffle through one door.

Penn State has four conference games at Rec Hall in the next month, but games with Rutgers (Feb. 15) and West Virginia (Feb. 22), which will be televised by ESPN, may provide the most immediate tests of the feasibility of a new ticket policy.

Something needs to be done on both sides. Athletic officials have a responsibility to the student body and students must understand that quality basketball costs money.