CALLING FOR BACKUP!

It's a common theme among war movies; the scene where the ground troops are locked in a deadly gunfight with the enemy, calling for help to anyone who will listen. Cheers and whistles breakout when the American planes fly over, spraying the enemy with gunfire, thus saving the troops on the ground.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

Penn State's big three (Jamelle Cornley, Talor Battle and Stanley Pringle) are in a firefight right now, constantly battling Big Ten's biggest and quickest enemies. The three are averaging 47 of PSU's 68.5 points per game at this time. However, they're calling for backup right now...to anyone and everyone on the PSU roster who will listen.

The Lions back court of Battle and Pringle have combined to make only 14 of 54 shots (25.9%) in the last two losses and 2 of 22 from three point range (9.0%). While Cornley has put up 29 points in the past two games, only 4 of them came in their home loss against Wisconsin (he had 4 at the half).

Unfortunately for the Lions, who have been playing with this three-man offense most of the season, the remainder of the season is a remake of the last bridge scene in Saving Private Ryan. They're out-sized, playing in enemy territory, and as "experts" say: "simply overmatched". Luckily, the end of this season doesn't need to replicate the end of said movie, where Tom Hanks perishes on a bridge. If Penn State's backup can come in time (preferably tonight), the Lions have a fighting chance of seizing back their momentum in the Big Ten and solidifying a tournament berth.

It's not like the Lions are pleading for backup into deaf ears. Danny Morrissey likes playing in Mackey Arena and is due for a huge game tonight. This is evidenced by his shooting 14-20 from three-point range and is average of 15.6 points for his career on Keady Court. The senior will be the first to tell you he's having a sub par year after shooting a combined 71% from beyond the arc in the last two seasons.

Andrew Jones III is another Lion who needs to step up his play if the Lions are going to advance into the post season. The 6'9" forward, who is listed at 245 lbs., is only averaging 5.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Decent numbers, but not for someone who is playing 23.9 minutes per game. Coach Ed DeChellis needs his other big man to step in and take control of the lane - something Jones has seemingly been tentative of all season. However Jones did grab 11 rebounds (8 offensive) earlier this season against Purdue, so he should have another big game tonight against the Boilermakers.

Hell, the Lions will even take help from David Jackson, who has been disappointingly inconsistent since his highly touted arrival in Happy Valley last season. Although averaging over 20 minutes a game, the sophomore is only netting 4 points and 3.2 rebounds a game. It appears the forward wants to pass immediately every time the ball comes his way. However, after scoring 6 points on perfect shooting last game against the Badgers, Jackson may be ready to breakout of his shell and show Nittany Nation what he's made of.

If the Lions are going to upset #23 Purdue in West Lafayette tonight they'll certainly need the backup they've been waiting for all season. Let's just hope it gets here in time.