The Illinois Fighting Illini, currently ranked No. 25 in the nation, were upset 54-52 by the Penn State Nittany Lions on Thursday night. Illinois trailed for most of the second half only to come back and tie things in the final minute on a Brandon Paul three-pointer, but allowed Penn State to return the favor with a game-winning shot on the second-to-last possession.
With 48 second left, Brandon Paul made another big shot to tie the game up 52-52 after trailing the entire half. Penn State fought back on its next possession, though, with Tim Frazier waiting until the shot clock's final second to knock down the game-winning jumper. Illinois got one last chance on the final end, but Sam Maniscalco's shot was blocked by Jermaine Marshall.
Paul led Illinois in scoring with 20 points on 5-for-11 shooting. Meyers Leonard also added 15 points, but fouls helped to limit his impact in the second half of the game. Cammeron Woodyard was Penn State's leading scorer with 17 points, while Frazier added 12 points and nine assists.
For more coverage of the Illini, be sure to explore Hail to the Orange. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for live, in-game scores and updates. News and analysis on the Nittany Lions is available at Black Shoes Diary.