Even after a 71-60 loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game, the Penn State Nittany Lions are returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in ten years. Here is how the team reacted:

MARCH MADNESS IN HAPPY VALLEY: PSU to play Temple out west, in first NCAA Tournament bid in 10 years – CDT

The face off against Temple Owls, in Tucson on Thursday — St. Patrick’s Day. Game time TBA.

The last time Penn State was in the tournament, it was Temple that eliminated the Nittany Lions in the sweet 16. The two programs have played each other regularly, but not this season.

Congratulations to the whole team, especially Talor Battle and coach Ed DeChellis — you overcame an awful lot to get to the tournament this season.

Lastly, let us joyfully put a certain meme to bed for this season. 🙂

UPDATE:

There are two writers who should be better prepared for this matchup then any others, David Jones who covers Penn State for the Patriot-News, but also keeps his eye on the Big 5, and Dick Jerardi who is the Philly Daily News college basketball beat writer and an analyst for Penn State basketball on the Penn State Sports Network,

Penn State and Talor Battle finally will take NCAA dance — against Temple! – Patriot-News
Jones reminds us that Temple won the last two meetings in the series in 2009 and 2010. The Owls are missing some big men though which is good news for the Nittany Lions.

Jerardi is chatting at 1 p.m.