It’s not easy being a Penn State basketball fan. A six-game losing streak, 3-15 Big Ten record, countless heartbreaking losses, and the fact that we’re losing our best player next year have made it a tough trek for the team’s dwindling number of supporters.

Penn State basketball fell victim to its all-too-common tough luck twice in a Senior Night game against Ohio State on Wednesday.

The first came 10 minutes into the game. Ross Travis, a senior playing his final game at the Bryce Jordan Center, scooped up a loose ball and with an open court ahead, dribbled to the basket for an easy dunk. D.J. Newbill, trailing behind, was clearly pushed by Ohio State’s Amir Williams. Ludicrously, Newbill was called for the foul. Have a look below.

Penn State basketball, of course, is no stranger to poor officiating. After Pat Chambers blasted officials following a call on Jordan Dickerson in the Nittany Lions’ game against Maryland earlier this year, the fourth-year coach earned the university a $10,000 fine.

The second unfortunate happening had nothing to do with officiating, but simply bad luck. Up six with 2:34 remaining in the half, Newbill attempted to inbound a pass in front of the Buckeyes’ Sam Thompson. The pass was tipped by Thompson. The deflection fell into Ohio State’s basket, a bizarre two points adding to a late first half run that saw Penn State’s seven-point lead disappear into one.

This is also not the first time Newbill has struggled with inbounds late in important games. Last week against Iowa, a costly turnover on an inbounds play in the final minutes allowed the Hawkeyes to force overtime.

“I passed it to the other team,” he said then.

The 77-67 setback was one of many frustrating losses for the spiraling Lions this season. They play at Minnesota on Sunday before the Big Ten tournament begins next week.

Photo: Alex Bauer/Onward State