PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - As Temple University gets ready to play Penn State on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament (see related story), Temple fans are hoping it’ll be more than a one-and-done experience.

This is the fourth straight appearance for the Owls. Temple supporters are hoping they make a deeper run in the tournament this year, having lost first-round games in each of the last three.

Walking between classes on campus, Temple students said they were hoping coach Fran Dunphy will have his players ready.

“I think we’ll beat them straight up,” said one.  “I don’t think Penn State will be able to hang with us, especially if Lavoy Allen has a big game. Without our big man, we can’t do much.”

“Hustling will be the biggest factor in winning,” said another student.

“I always say it’s the bench. Starter against starter, it’s a fair match.”

“We’re good at getting rebounds, we just need to put the points up.”

What will be a key to success for Temple?

“Stopping Talor Battle — he’s a full package.  Stopping him will be a challenge.  Lavoy Allen should be able to control their big men.  A big game from him is expected — and needed.”

“I think it’s a pretty exciting matchup,” said one Temple student.  “A lot of people from Philadelphia end up at Penn State, so it’s a heated rivalry.  Both have dedicated, passionate fans.  Both are good sports schools.”

“Two public universities, budget issues. I’m thinking conspiracy,” one student said slyly.

Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio 1060.