David Jackson fully understands that tonight's contest with Slippery Rock won't count in the standings.
But having gone months practicing against his teammates, Jackson said the green and white uniforms at the Bryce Jordan Center will be a welcome sight -- even given the game's minimal importance.
"It'll be an adrenaline rush," Jackson said. "Just to get our game legs underneath us and to play somebody else that's not in a blue and white jersey."
Jackson said the Nittany Lions have spent their week preparing for Slippery Rock as they would for any regular season game -- watching film and practicing specifically against the Rock's offensive scheme.
But the Lions' most important focus tonight, Jackson said, will be on the defensive end.
"Our defensive intensity has really picked up," Jackson said. "There are a lot of guys out here fighting for playing time, and the easiest way to get that time is on the defensive end."
The man in charge of that playing time, head coach Ed DeChellis, confirmed what Jackson said, noting that defense will be crucial for the Lions this season when they aren't making shots.
"There are nights where the ball doesn't fall for you," DeChellis said. "But you've got to defend. If they aren't scoring either, it makes it a little easier on you."
Although Slippery Rock is a Division II team, DeChellis said the Lions won't treat their opponent that way. He pointed to a scrimmage on Sunday at Pittsburgh where Slippery Rock led for most of the first half and trailed by just seven with a minute and a half remaining.
The Rock attempted 46 shots from behind the arc -- which would have been a record for the Petersen Events Center if it were an official game -- and DeChellis said the style of play of tonight's opponent will test his team defensively.
"They're a team that really gets out in transition, and they shoot a lot of threes," DeChellis said. "We're gonna have to guard the three point line and pressure the ball. Defensively, we're just trying to execute."
DeChellis said his goal tonight is to get everybody playing time with the season opener just one week away. In last season's 77-51 exhibition win over Bloomsburg, 11 different Lions played at least five minutes.
In order to get this year's reserves that same opportunity, DeChellis said the Lions must guard the ball-handlers and stop Slippery Rock from getting in a rhythm from behind the arc.
Last season's leading scorer, Talor Battle echoed DeChellis' defensive-minded sentiment towards the scrimmage.
"We can always control how well we defend," Battle said. "Whether or not we make shots is up in the air. We just want to get better defensively."
