The final 2.2 seconds in which Penn State fell to Georgetown, 79-78, last year was a completely demoralizing loss for the Nittany Lions, one from which the team never appeared to fully recover in a 9-19 season.

After a 94-46 win against Lock Haven (0-4) on Friday night, which followed an 83-80 upset over Rutgers Wednesday night, Penn State forward Aaron Johnson said the Lions (5-2) possess the confidence they need to prevent a repeat of last year's season opener. Johnson was sidelined for last year's game with a detached retina, but is ready to take revenge on the Hoyas tonight at the MCI Center.

"Now that they have to deal with me, I am very happy with it," Johnson said. "That loss really hurt us because it was an emotional loss. You'd rather lose by 10 than one any day. We lost by one at the buzzer. It was demoralizing and it kind of hurt our whole team. This year our first losses taught us a lot and if we keep rolling, and stay together, we'll do well."

Playing Div. II Lock Haven not only replaced the anonymous team that backed out on the Lions, but provided a little breathing room between two Big East contests.

"We really needed this situation with the break," Penn State coach Ed DeChellis said. "We did not want those games to be back-to-back. This game came at a good time."

The first five minutes of play against the Bald Eagles may have been the sloppiest the young Penn State squad has played this season. With the Lions ahead 14-12, DeChellis called a time out, concerned about Penn State's defense, or lack thereof. Midway through the first half, the Lions grabbed a 10-point lead and wouldn't look back. Penn State led Lock Haven 49-25 at the half, allowing for the Lions to test the depth of its bench in the second half.

"I love to see the guys playing," Johnson said. "Those guys are going to surprise you. They help us every practice."

Penn State's five starters ended the game in double figures, with Johnson leading the scoring with 24 points. Guards Danny Morrissey and Geary Claxton each finished with 14 points, while forward Travis Parker and guard Mike Walker scored 10 and 11 points, respectively. The Lions shot 64.8 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc.

Off the bench, forward Jason McDougald's athleticism and aggressiveness complemented his four points, three blocks, and three steals. Center John Kelly and forward Brandon Hassell saw the court for just the second time this season. Kelly and Hassell scored seven and four points, respectively. Guard Dan Adler recorded four points, and center Kevin Fellows made a basket to round out the scoring. Every Lion scored with the exception of Jamaal Tate, who played just six minutes after tweaking his knee.

Penn State is riding a four-game win streak for the first time since the 2001-2002 season. The Lions lead the all-time series with Georgetown, 22-9, but the Hoyas have won the last four contests.

Notes:
Guard Marlon Smith did dress against Lock Haven but did not play after spraining his ankle against Rutgers. DeChellis said Smith should be ready to play against the Hoyas. Guard Ben Luber will not play tonight and the time of his return is not known. Luber has been inactive due to personal matters since before Penn State's 73-64 win against Lehigh.