Talk of the Penn State-Temple men's basketball showdown has extended to the state capitol, where two senators are making a friendly wager on the game.

State Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre, and Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia, are each betting that the university in their respective home district will come out victorious, according to a release from Corman's office.

What's at stake? Some precious local delicacies.

If Penn State wins, Hughes will give up some assorted boxes of Tastykakes. If Temple prevails, Corman will part with some gallons of Penn State Creamery ice cream. The senators have agreed to settle their wager on the floor of the senate after the game. The prize will be sent to a charitable cause.

The senators exchanged some gentlemanly banter in anticipation of the playoff.

"March Madness has definitely descended on Pennsylvania," Corman said. "It's great to have two Commonwealth teams in the Sweet 16 — and a shame that Temple will have to bow out."

However, Hughes said he had complete faith in Coach John Chaney's Owls.

"I do wonder if Sen. Corman is mindful that we aren't playing football," he said.

A pair of state representatives also announced today that they would be joining in the spirit of cross-commonwealth competition.

Rep. Lynn Herman, R-Centre, and Rep. Curtis Thomas, D-Philadelphia, said they are each standing up for their local institutions' honor.

The lawmaker whose team loses will quote from the winning college's fight song and wear the other team's sweatshirt on the floor of the state house Apr. 2, according to a release from Herman's office.

Tip-off for the NCAA Tournament South Regional Semifinal in Atlanta is 10 p.m. Friday. This is the first time Penn State and Temple have met in the March tourney.