With a 21-point victory against Purdue Feb. 17, the Penn State men's basketball team looked like they were in good shape for the NCAA Tournament.

But that feeling was short-lived. During the course of the next three weeks, there was a fluctuation of both high and low emotions after every game. It seemed like one key loss or one key win would either make the Nittany Lions NCAA or NIT Tournament bound.

As it turns out, there was a combination of both the good and the bad. Fortunately for Penn State, there was enough of the good to make the Big Dance Sunday.

"I would say it was a pretty rough finish," Crispin said. "But then again, I don't know if it would have been as satisfying if we didn't have to work as hard as we did."

The first change in emotions after the success against Purdue was the result of a devastating 62-61 loss to Northwestern, a team that had only won one other Big Ten game at the time.

"We just didn't come here to play at all," Penn State sophomore Brandon Watkins said after the game.

The Lions followed that disappointing effort with a 19-point defeat to the Michigan State Spartans. Penn State had rallied to take a 49-47 lead midway through the second half only to run out of gas and fall two games below .500 in the conference.

The team was determined to rebound, though. Five days later, it appeared as though the Lions had moved ahead of Iowa for tournament consideration when they defeated the Hawkeyes on the road.

Once again, Penn State's post-season hopes were in jeopardy when it failed to capitalize on an 18-point lead with 11 minutes remaining versus Ohio State and lost 93-87 in the regular season finale.

It was a difficult Senior Day, but the Lions were aware that they had one last chance to make a case to the tournament selection committee — the Big Ten Tournament.

After a dramatic finish that saw Cline-Heard put in a last-second shot for a victory against Michigan in round one, Penn State faced a familiar foe in Michigan State. The Spartans had worn down the Lions and pulled away for two convincing wins earlier this season.

However, Penn State finally had enough fuel to finish strong and an off-balance three-point basket by Crispin with nearly 20 seconds remaining pretty much sealed it.

"That was probably the biggest shot I've ever hit," Crispin said. "But I hope it's not the last."

Spirits were dampened a bit the following night when a hot Iowa team beat the Lions to advance to the title game, but many experts already had Penn State off the bubble and in the tournament with the win against the Spartans.

Confirmation was coming soon after, as it was time for Selection Sunday. After more than 50 teams had been announced, the Lions were finally given the reward they wanted so badly all season — a chance to dance.

"Man, we're waiting and waiting and then finally we saw our name," Penn State sophomore Jon Crispin said. "It was crazy. Everyone was jumping up and down yelling."

The roller coaster ride was over, a fresh season had begun and a new focus was set.

The Lions will now prepare for their first matchup on Friday against Providence, fully aware of how fast their fortunes can change.