Penn State vs La Salle: Nittany Lions come to Philadelphia

The Penn State Nittany Lions will try to win back-to-back games for the first time all season when they visit La Salle on Wednesday night. Pat Chambers' team has alternated from wins to losses through its first seven games this year, but a matchup against the Atlantic 10's Explorers certainly won't be a walkover. La Salle has already knocked off a team from the power six, edging Villanova in overtime in November.

It will be the Nittany Lions' second trip to Philly in the past week, as PSU picked up a win against Penn over the weekend. They have already suffered three double-digit losses, however, and if they're not getting stops on the defensive end, they're extremely vulnerable. PSU has struggled to put the ball in the basket, and prefers to play games in the 60s. Averaging less than 60 points per game, they're one of the worst offensive teams in Division I.

Playing in Philly, La Salle is a double-digit favorite over the Big Ten opponent in most places. The win over Villanova put the college hoops world on notice that the Explorers will not be a cupcake in the non-conference season. A win on Wednesday would be another season-building victory. Both teams are loaded with scorers in the backcourt, with La Salle's Tyreek Duren and PSU's Tim Frazier leading the way.

Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET at the Palestra, with NBC Sports Network providing the national broadcast.