The names Brown and Russell are commonplace in the world of basketball. There's Bill Russell and Bryon Russell, Dee Brown, Kwame Brown and Larry Brown -- just to name a few.

It may be a coincidence or it may be fate, but the No. 8 Penn State Lady Lions have one of each on this season's roster.

Both are freshmen, both are centers, and if Friday's exhibition game against the Basketball Travelers was any sign, both will play an integral part of Penn State's offense.

Reicina Russell and Amanda Brown filled in for the injured Ashli Schwab, but turned some heads, showing no signs of nervousness that some may expect from freshmen playing in their first-ever collegiate basketball game.

The six-foot-six Russell finished with eight points and ten rebounds (five offensive), but fouled out with seven minutes to play in the second half. Russell, who finished shooting 27 percent from the field, missed several lay-ups that could have almost doubled her point total.

Brown, on the other hand, made a living at the foul line on Friday night. The six-foot-three forward/center went to the stripe 18 times, making 14. The freshman from Kennett Square finished with 18 points, six boards and three blocks.

The two helped Penn State out-rebound the Travelers 51-29, including a 33-8 advantage in the second half.

"Rebounding is a big thing for us," Penn State coach Rene Portland said. "These two [Brown and Russell] sent a message and that's something that they need to continue to do."

But what may be even more important than their savvy on the court, is the rapport that the two seem to have with one another, which was extremely evident at the post game press conference.

The two were giggling and slapping hands throughout the meeting, showing the apparent bond that they two have formed -- even though they are fighting for the same job.

"The four freshmen have bonded so well," Russell said. "But I wouldn't say there's not a competition."

Looking back at Penn State's season ending loss in last year's Sweet 16 against Tennessee, it is no wonder why Portland has brought in two big players to fill an evident void.

The Vols out rebounded Penn State 54-24 in that game and out scored the Lady Lions in the paint, 52-32.

With the addition of Russell and Brown, plus the return of Schwab, Penn State seems to be leaning toward a more traditional offense, instead of the four-guard, one-forward/center offense that they've been running the past few seasons.

And next to winning, the biggest goal for the Lady Lions this year seems to be dominating teams on the glass.

"We have a war board in our locker room and it's about rebounding," Portland said after the game on Friday. "And it will be the death of me and the death of this team if we don't take care of it."