For four years wearing the Red and Blue, Rob Belcore planned on a professional basketball career in Europe. But now he’s officially pulling the plug on his 15-year basketball journey

Few positives came out of Penn’s double-digit loss to a shorthanded Penn State team, but freshman Tony Hicks’ showing gave a glimpse of the Quakers’ future.

The Quakers’ performance against Penn State was an irksome sight to behold, primarily due to a torrent of fouls. Penn ranks third out of 347 Division I teams in the nation in personal fouls per game.

Despite an impressive second half run that cut Penn State’s lead to just four late in the game, the Quakers just couldn’t get over the hump.

Obviously the team wants to win games, but the Quakers also understand they are all working on something much bigger right now.

The Red and Blue underwhelmed in their first victory in six contests, defeating Binghamton by nine points on Wednesday, and for coach Jerome Allen, the team needs to be excited about another chance to get better, regardless of their opponent.

It was as good a time as ever for Penn coach Jerome Allen to spread the minutes and receive a solid bench performance from 11 guys on the roster.

Penn ended a five-game losing streak in a scrappy, hard-fought affair and a 65-54 win over Binghamton at the Palestra.

When the Quakers face off against the Bearcats at 7 p.m. at the Palestra, crashing the boards and clogging the paint will be key to snapping their five-game skid.

Over the last year, the junior forward has transformed from cautious sixth-man to assertive superstar.

It may seem like the Quakers are destined for doom this year, but this team is just finding its identity.

Penn has four freshmen, but two in particular — Jamal Lewis and Tony Hicks — need to step up if Penn plans to compete in the Ivy League this season.

Penn dropped its fifth straight game Tuesday night, falling to the Lehigh, 73-66, in the consolation round of the NIT Season Tip-Off tournament.

Jerome Allen isn’t concerned about offensive production as long as the Quakers lack a defense that can implement his defensive schemes.

As part of the package for men’s hoops student-section season ticket holders, a T-shirt designed by PANYC State — pronounced “panic” — is included. These shirts, currently available in white, read “Hurrah Pennsylvania 12-13” and feature a basketball-toting Ben Franklin.