In The Paint

Forget the records. Forget the statistics. Forget the over-thought analysis. This game is about who wants it more. The Hoosiers are reeling. After losing five of their last six and dealing with the rumors surrounding the IU coaching situation, the Hoosiers need something positive to happen. Put simply, they need a "slump buster."\nThe Penn State Nittany Lions are the perfect team for IU to face right now. Even though they knocked off No. 13 Illinois in Champaign a week and a half ago - ending the Illini's 33-game home winning streak -- they should still be outclassed by the struggling Hoosiers. If the Hoosiers can hold sophomore Geary Claxton in check, it will be a long night for the Nittany Lions.\nIf Marco Killingsworth can continue his development into a good rebounder and have a good night on the offensive end, the Hoosiers should get their first road victory of the year. IU also needs to protect the ball because you can't turn the ball over and expect to win on the road. \nIt all comes down to one simple fact, though. If the Hoosiers want this one bad enough, they will take it. If they simply play defense, rebound and protect the ball, this should be a walk in the park.