Iowa coach and Philadelphia native Fran McCaffery will return home on Saturday when his 23rd ranked Hawkeyes take on 21st ranked Penn State in the Palestra. Nicknamed the “Cathedral of College Basketball”, the Palestra has been home to several of the city schools including McCaffery’s alma mater Penn.
McCaffery says Penn State will be a challenge no matter where the game is played.
Injuries and illness have left Iowa’s roster thin and McCaffery has been forced to adjust practice.
Despite losing two starters to season ending injuries the Hawkeyes have posted a 10-3 record.
Penn State has won four straight and is 11-2 on the season. Penn State coach Patrick Chambers.
A key for the Nittany Lions has been the play of center Mike Watkins. The senior is averaging more than 11 points and nine rebounds.
Opening tip is set for 1:00 pm Saturday afternoon.
