We are Penn State! And for the first time since 1954, the Penn State men's basketball team has advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament after last night's 82-74 victory over the second-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels.

It's also worth noting that this is the first time in five years that Penn State has even competed in the tournament — not a small feat in itself. The Nittany Lions began their winning streak on Friday night when they defeated tenth-seeded Providence. The men's basketball team deserves praise for all of the hard work and discipline that went into this year's successful season.

Sometimes overshadowed by football and other sports, Penn State's basketball program often does not receive the recognition and praise its players rightfully deserve. The school spirit Penn State students, faculty and fans have shown this season also merits acknowledgment. Basketball games, which have a history of having more open seats than some other Penn State sports, seemed to have better attendance this season. The groups of excited fans who crowded local bars, restaurants and living rooms to watch the games were also indicative of the increased interest in the sport.

Likewise, the women's basketball team cannot be forgotten. The women's team also earned post-season play, playing Texas Christian University Saturday. Although the Lady Lions bout with TCU ended in a heartfelt 77-75 loss, the women's team also gave Penn Staters something to be proud of. For a university whose athletic prowess is often attributed to the fall season, both the men's and women's basketball teams reminded us that there is more to Penn State sports than just football. Penn State fans should continue to support and be proud of our football team, but let this season's successful basketball teams and the school and team pride they evoked remind us that there are also other Penn State athletes who deserve our support and praise. Good luck in Atlanta, Lions!