UNIVERSITY PARK - Making the NIT semifinals is a childhood dream come true for Penn State's Talor Battle.

Not the tournament itself, mind you - the Nittany Lions, after all, were hoping to get invited to the NCAA field.

But for Battle, a native of Albany, N.Y., getting a chance to play at Madison Square Garden in New York City isn't a bad consolation prize.

''I never played in the Garden, but I always wanted to play there my entire life,'' the sophomore point guard said.

It's the biggest stage yet for Battle's promising collegiate career. The Big Ten's leading scorer has helped Penn State (25-11) tie a school-record for victories despite getting snubbed for the NCAA tournament in large part because of a weak nonconference schedule.

The NIT semifinal matchup Tuesday night against Notre Dame will be played on one of the sport's best-known arenas, against another big-name school with a national following better known for its football team.

About 50 to 75 of Battle's family and friends are planning to be there, many of them making the 2-hour drive from Albany down the New York State Thruway.

The fan club will include at least one of Battle's seven siblings - younger brother, Taran Buie, a highly rated recruit from Battle's alma mater, Bishop Maginn High School. Battle said both Penn State and Notre Dame are on his brother's list of possible college destinations.

Even 82-year-old Penn State football coach Joe Paterno is making the trip back to his native New York to root on the basketball team. A postseason run this deep into March is rather unusual for Penn State hoops.

''They've played some really great basketball. They really have,'' Paterno said.

Battle's clutch shooting has played a huge role in the Nittany Lions' success. His penchant for dramatic shots in the waning moments of close games has earned him nicknames like ''Captain Clutch'' and ''Mr. Big Shot.''

That last one has a bit of an ironic twist since the 5-foot-11 Battle is usually the shortest guy on the floor. But Battle said he doesn't typically demand the ball from coach Ed DeChellis in tight spots.

''I don't say it so rude: 'Give me the ball,''' he said with a slight grin. ''I kind of ask for it. It depends on the situation. ... He has confidence in me, and I'm grateful for that.''

Battle presents more of a conundrum for opponents when he's hitting from the outside, which may force defenders to guard him closer. That, in turn, could give Battle a chance to use his quickness to blow past them for a drive to the bucket.

''He hates to lose,'' DeChellis said. ''He plays with an air of confidence ... on the floor and in practice.''

Battle's sophomore classmates Jeff Brooks and David Jackson have also helped Penn State in its NIT run.

They follow the lead of senior captain Jamelle Cornley, who scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds at Florida despite a bum left shoulder to send Penn State to New York.

''I told him, 'It's his world.' I'll grab his Gatorade for him,'' Battle said.

The New York trip will help Battle with school, too. He's working on a project about the restoration of ground zero for a recreation, parks and tourism class, and DeChellis plans to take the team to the World Trade Center site on Monday.

But basketball, of course, is the primary reason for being in the Big Apple.

''If we win this tournament, we're still not going to be in the NCAA tourney,'' Battle said. ''So our sole focus is still the NIT. We're over it now, and now we just want to win the NIT.''