M. Hoops looks for revenge

The undefeated Nittany Lions visit the Palestra and more than just pride will be on the line for the Quakers. The undefeated Nittany Lions visit the Palestra and more than just pride will be on the line for the Quakers.The Zac CostelloThe undefeated Nittany Lions visit the Palestra and more than just pride will be on the line for the Quakers.The Zac CostelloThe Daily Pennsylvanian The obvious one will happen tomorrow at Veterans Stadium when Army and Navy battle on the gridiron for the 100th time. Tonight, however, it's the Army men's basketball team that will be perpetuating a tradition. Penn will begin its 74th season at the Palestra tonight at 7 p.m. when the Quakers tip off against the Cadets. Army (2-2) has played its first four games since the Quakers (0-1) opened their season with a loss to Kentucky on November 17. "We're at a distinct disadvantage in that regard," Penn coach Fran Dunphy said. "We're a little unsure how we're going to play come game time." Penn's first and only game of the season was in the first round of the preseason NIT. After a hiatus of more than two weeks, the Quakers are eager to get back on the hardwood floor, especially at home. "The home games are definitely a lot better because we've got the fans on our side," senior center Geoff Owens said. "It's a more friendly environment." The raucous Palestra crowd will help but the Quakers will need Owens to have a big game against the undersized Cadets. The tallest Army player is 6'9" sophomore center Matt Rutledge; the Cadets tallest starter, however, is 6'7" sophomore forward Jonte Harrell. "Their guys aren't tall but a lot stronger so I have to be able to deal with that," Owens said. "I have to get good position, draw fouls and convert from the foul line." In addition to their strong but small frontcourt, the Cadets have young and talented guards. Freshman guard Mike Canty leads Army with 10 steals in four contests, but his partner in the backcourt -- sophomore guard Chris Spatola -- has been Army's most productive player. Spatola is averaging 12.5 points and 4.8 assists per game. Moreover, he poses a significant outside threat, hitting 45.5 percent of his three-pointers. "We are going to concentrate on him and hopefully, we will contest as many of his shots that we possibly can," Dunphy said. "We have great respect for his ability to make the perimeter shot." Dunphy still has not decided which five Quakers will start Penn's 74th season at the Palestra against sharpshooting Spatola and the rest of the Cadets. Against Kentucky, seniors Michael Jordan and Matt Langel started in the backcourt, Owens at center and senior Frank Brown and junior transfer Oggie Kapetanovic at the two forward spots. Penn's depth in the frontcourt -- combined with freshman forward Ugonna Onyekwe's strong play against Kentucky -- mean that changes may be in store.