The Providence men's basketball team was forced to do the same thing Penn State did Sunday evening during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.

Like the Nittany Lions, the Friars had to sit, wait and watch the brackets unfold.

But after the East, West, Midwest and top of the South brackets were announced, the Friars finally saw they were headed to the NCAA Tournament. Jumping out of their seats, excited to be in the Tournament, the Providence players were ecstatic to be in the field of 64.

"I told my team today that there is no better feeling in sports than going to the Big Dance," Providence men's basketball coach Tim Welsh said in a press release. "There is no question in my mind that we are going to go out and represent the school well and we are going to have a great showing next weekend."

Both Welsh and Penn State men's basketball coach Jerry Dunn said neither of them knew much about the other squad, but plan to watch a lot of tape in the days leading up to the first-round game. Within a few hours, Dunn said, the Lions should have a good grasp on their opponent.

Welsh added that he has not watched the Lions critically, but said he knows Penn State guard Joe Crispin is one of the best guards in the country. The Providence coach said he expects the Lions to be confident coming into their first-round matchup after their big win against Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament.

Joe Crispin said he knows Providence's backcourt will bring intense defensive pressure and will try to force Penn State to hurry up and down the court. Crispin, who was a 2001 Big Ten All-Tournament team selection, added he is confident the Lions backcourt will be able to handle anything the Friars throw at them.

"It's a matter of coming in with the right mentality," the senior guard said. "Our backcourt can handle anybody."

One of Providence's guards who will try and frustrate the Penn State backcourt is 5-foot-9 junior John Linehan, a tiny guard who can score, but also has the eyes to find open shooters. Linehan, who was named the National Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com, said the Friars guards will be preparing for the Lions trio of Joe and Jon Crispin and 6-foot-4 senior Titus Ivory. Having the entire week to prepare for Penn State, Linehan said if the Friars work hard and concentrate they will have a great chance in New Orleans.

"We feel really good heading into the tournament," Linehan said. "As long as we keep practicing hard and improving in practice, we can go a long way in this tournament."

Crispin said Sunday that the Lions will learn all about the Friars throughout the week, but he knows that a team with a fast-paced style that pressures the ball all over is always dangerous. Although the senior guard is concerned with Providence's up-and-down style, the experienced Crispin said he has seen it before.

"The defense in the Big Ten is ridiculous, so we've seen tough defenders before," he said. "The Big Ten is the best conference in America."