It's never fun to watch a team struggle.

However, for those strong enough to stick with the Penn State men's basketball team during its current losing streak, fans can see a real star-in-the-making in freshman Geary Claxton.

The forward from West Haven, Conn., has been the Nittany Lions' most consistent performer in Big Ten play thus far and has been one of the few bright spots in what is turning out to be yet another disappointing season.

"That kid Claxton, I think he's an outstanding player," Michigan head coach Tommy Amaker said after Saturday's game. "He's tough to guard and I think he plays tremendous defense."

The forward registered his fourth straight double-digit scoring performance Saturday and had a strong defensive effort against the Wolverines as well.

Claxton even showed Penn State fans something they had not seen in a long time: a meaningful dunk. (No, Brandon Hassell's dunks against Division II East Stroudsburg do not count.)

With three minutes left in the first half, Claxton had a two-handed slam after a great pass from Travis Parker. Just one minute later, Claxton finished a pretty alley-oop, again after an excellent look from Parker.

The freshman also tied a season-high with three blocks on the day, helping the Lions have one of their best overall defensive performances of the season. Fans could see a maturation process before their very eyes, as Claxton only thinks he can get better.

"I just have to keep playing more games," he said. "As I play more games, I'll become more comfortable."

That's a good sign of things to come. If Penn State is able to recruit more players like Claxton, the team's prospects could change faster than many may think.

Something out of the ordinary

Before the game, Penn State cornerback Alan Zemaitis read a children’s story to a group of kids near the players’ courtside entrance…

…Another important battle took place during halftime when members of the media squared off against each other for charity. Former Daily Collegian sports editor and current Centre Daily Times writer Jeff Rice took the court for the CDT team, along with Penn State men’s basketball super-journalist Dave Jones of Harrisburg’s The Patriot-News and Dan “The Fan” Victor. The trio took on members of Beaver 103.1 FM in a shooting competition. The CDT combo came out on top with a score of 35-21. “I have no idea what I was doing,” Jones was heard saying in the media room afterward. The Collegian’s very own Tricia Lafferty will be participating on Jan. 29. Some believe with a good showing and a few more injuries for the Lions, Lafferty will be added to the active roster in 3-4 weeks…

…As halftime ended, some Penn State football coaches entered the arena with a group of recruits to watch the game. Escorting the prospects were assistant coaches Jay Paterno, Larry Johnson, Sr., Bill Kenney, Ron Vanderlinden, Brian Norwood and Mike McQueary. The players were promptly treated to a few recruiting videos on the Jumbotron and the playing of “Zombie Nation” once more. Anyone tired of that song yet…?

…In the pre-game festivities, the Nittany Lion missed a dunk off a trampoline, leading to some boos from the crowd. Kind of sums up the men’s basketball team’s season, doesn’t it…?

…Around 20 Michigan fans from the Maize Rage student section made the trip from Ann Arbor to State College. And give them some credit, they had some original cheers. Our personal favorites included chants of “Rec Specs” for Aaron Johnson and “Jagla,” in honor of much-maligned former Lion Jan Jagla. The fans’ classiest move of the night was a blue and gold sign with “Get Well Marlon” on it. Here’s hoping the sophomore point guard has a safe and speedy recovery.