With the a snowstorm of the ages thundering down on Illinois, the Nittany Lions had their travel plans lengthened spending 20 total hours on the road or in a hotel on their way to take on the Fighting Illini. With a half empty arena, tired legs, and a short bench, Penn State was out of the game early as Illinois used dominant pressure on the glass and timely perimeter shooting to a 68-51 victory.
Ultimately Penn State's downfall came with only minutes left in the first half when Senior Jeff Brooks was injured during a loose ball situation dislocating his right shoulder. Brooks' is the Nittany Lion's second leading scorer and one of Penn State's most consistent players.
After Brook's injury the Nittany Lions were unable to stop Mike Tisdale and Illinois on the boards giving up most of their second half points in the paint showing Nittany Lion fans how crucial Brooks had been for their backcourt defense.
Penn State falls to 5-5 in the Big Ten and will take on Michigan this Sunday back in Happy Valley, Illinois improves to 6-4 and will take on Northwestern this Saturday.